The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by John and Julie Gottman, focusing on improving communication, building trust, and increasing intimacy through a framework called the "Sound Relationship House Theory," aiming to help couples develop skills to manage conflict and strengthen their emotional connection. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Research-Based:

The Gottman Method is rooted in decades of research with thousands of couples, providing a structured approach to relationship therapy. 

• Sound Relationship House Theory:

This framework outlines nine dimensions of a healthy relationship: creating love maps, nurturing fondness and admiration, turning towards each other, letting your partner influence you, solving solvable problems, overcoming gridlock, creating shared meaning, and building a life of shared meaning. 

• Goals:

The Gottman Method aims to:

• Disarm conflicting verbal communication. 

• Increase intimacy, respect, and affection. 

• Remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy. 

• Create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding. 

• Improve communication, build trust, and increase intimacy between partners. 

• Address conflict productively. 

• Build a life of shared meaning together. 

• Focus Areas:

The method focuses on:

• Communication: Improving how couples communicate their needs and feelings. 

• Conflict Resolution: Developing skills to manage and resolve conflicts constructively. 

• Emotional Connection: Strengthening emotional bonds and fostering intimacy. 

• Problem-Solving: Helping couples address problems and work towards solutions. 

• Four Horsemen:

Gottman's research identified four behaviors that predict relationship breakdown: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. 

• Magic Ratio:

Gottman's research suggests that happy couples maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions.