THE GOTTMAN METHOD
Therapy with a structure, not just a conversation.
The Gottman Method comes from five decades of research by Drs John and Julie Gottman, who studied thousands of couples to understand one question: what actually separates relationships that last from relationships that don't? The answers became a structured, practical approach to couples therapy, now used by trained therapists around the world.
It has been shown to help couples of every kind, whatever their background, and whether they arrive in crisis or simply wanting more from a good relationship. Tim Southwell offers Gottman Method couples therapy in Greenslopes, Brisbane, and online Australia-wide.
What the work looks like
01
A proper assessment first
We start with a session together, then a conversation with each of you individually, plus a structured questionnaire. You receive clear feedback on your relationship's strengths and the areas that need care. No guesswork, and nothing generic.
02
A plan we agree on together
From that picture we set the direction and pace of the work, decided with you, not for you. You'll always know what we're working on and why.
03
Practical skills, not just talk
Sessions build three things: friendship, calmer ways through conflict, and a shared sense of what your life together is for. You practise real skills in the room and take them home, so the change holds after the sessions end.
Worth knowing: the research found that most of the things couples argue about never fully go away, for anyone. The goal isn't a relationship with no friction. It's knowing how to handle the friction so it stops costing you the friendship.
What we build, floor by floor
The Gottmans call it the Sound Relationship House: the parts of a relationship that hold it up, built in order.
A life that means something to you both
Shared rituals, roles and purpose
Backing each other's dreams
Room for what each of you hopes for
Handling conflict without damage
Softer starts, repair, staying calm
Assuming you're on the same team
The benefit of the doubt, both ways
Turning towards the small moments
The glance, the question, the sigh
Saying the appreciation out loud
Fondness and admiration, spoken
Knowing each other's inner world
The foundation everything rests on
TRUSTCOMMITMENT
Trust and commitment are the walls that carry the weight: knowing your partner has your back, and that you're both in it for the long haul.
Ready to start building?
Greenslopes, Brisbane or online. No referral needed.