Of all the couples therapy approaches available, the Gottman Method is one of the most studied. It grew out of decades of direct observational research on real couples — not just theory — which is part of why it's become one of the most widely used, evidence-based frameworks for relationship therapy in the U.S.
What Is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, based on research that began with observing thousands of couples over time to identify what reliably predicts relationship success or breakdown. Rather than starting from a single theory of what couples "should" do, the method is built from patterns the Gottmans actually observed — including specific communication behaviors that predict divorce with notable accuracy, nicknamed the "Four Horsemen": criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
Gottman-based therapy focuses on replacing those destructive patterns with structured, teachable alternatives, while also strengthening the parts of a relationship that already work.
What Does Gottman Couples Therapy Involve?
A Gottman-informed therapist typically works with couples on:
Building a "Sound Relationship House" — the model's framework for the layered skills that support a stable relationship, from basic friendship and fondness up through shared meaning and trust
Identifying and interrupting the Four Horsemen in a couple's actual communication patterns
Managing conflict rather than eliminating it — the Gottmans' research found that most relationship conflict is about persistent, unsolvable differences, and that how couples manage that conflict matters more than resolving it entirely
Building rituals of connection — practical habits that maintain closeness day to day, not just during high-stakes conversations
Repair attempts — recognizing and responding to a partner's efforts to de-escalate tension before conflict spirals
Assessment is a bigger part of Gottman work than in some other approaches; many therapists use structured questionnaires and observed interactions early on to identify a couple's specific patterns before building a treatment plan.
Gottman Method vs. Other Couples Therapy Approaches
The Gottman Method is often compared to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), another major evidence-based approach. Broadly:
EFT focuses on attachment and the emotional bond underneath conflict — why couples get stuck in a cycle
Gottman Method focuses more on concrete, observable communication and conflict-management skills — how couples can change what happens in the moment
In practice, many therapists draw from both, along with other approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) or attachment-based therapy, tailoring the mix to what a specific couple needs.
Who Is the Gottman Method For?
Gottman-based couples therapy is used by:
Couples in ongoing conflict, including recurring arguments that don't seem to resolve
Couples who feel generally stable but want to strengthen communication and connection
Couples navigating major life transitions — marriage, children, career change, loss
Couples rebuilding trust after a breach, such as infidelity
Premarital couples wanting a strong foundation before marriage
A Gottman Informed Couples Therapist in Ann Arbor
Valerie Roedenbeck Maloof, LMSW, of Intuitive Therapy Partners in Ann Arbor, completed level 1 and level 2 trainings in the Gottman Method and works with individuals and couples on relationship issues, marital and premarital concerns, and major life transitions. Her broader approach is attachment-based and integrates Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Imago, and mindfulness-based work, tailored to each client's goals.
A few practical details that may help if you're comparing options in Ann Arbor:
Session format: in-person at the Ann Arbor office, and virtual
Focus areas: relationship issues, life transitions, infidelity, premarital counseling, and multicultural/bicultural relationship dynamics
Free 15-minute consultation available before booking a first session
This makes her a strong option for couples specifically looking for Gottman-informed couples therapy, alongside the practice's other clinicians who focus on sex therapy and intimacy-specific concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gottman Method only for couples in crisis? No. It's used by couples across a wide range — from those in significant conflict to those who are stable but want to strengthen their relationship or prepare for marriage.
How is Gottman different from regular couples counseling? "Couples counseling" is a broad category; the Gottman Method is a specific, research-based framework within it, with structured assessment tools and a defined model (the Sound Relationship House) guiding treatment.
Does Valerie Roedenbeck Maloof only use the Gottman Method? No. She integrates Gottman Method with other approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness-based work, depending on what fits the couple.
Does this practice accept insurance for couples therapy? No. Couples therapy at the practice is private pay. Valerie Roedenbeck Maloof accepts Blue Care Network and BlueCross BlueShield for individual sessions, but not for couples sessions; self-pay and sliding-scale options are available for couples work.
Getting Started in Ann Arbor
If you're looking for a Gottman-trained couples therapist in Ann Arbor, Valerie Maloof at Intuitive Therapy Partners offers a free 15-minute consultation to get started — call (734) 275-3875 or reach out to Valerie. If your concerns are more specifically focused on sex therapy or intimacy, Sarah Cissell, LMSW and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, is also part of the same practice and works closely alongside the couples therapy team.
Related reading: Signs It Might Be Time for Couples Therapy · What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)? · Sex & Relationship Therapy in Ann Arbor: A Complete Guide
