Understanding Gottman Therapy: The Sound Relationship House Model | Emocare

Understanding Gottman Therapy: The Sound Relationship House Model

Strengthening Emotional Bonds Through Trust, Commitment, and Shared Meaning

Join Emocare’s Couples Counseling Training

Introduction

Gottman Therapy, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is one of the most research-based approaches to relationship counseling. At Emocare, under the guidance of Seethalakshmi Sivakumar, we train counselors to apply the Sound Relationship House Model — a framework designed to help couples build trust, manage conflict, and maintain emotional intimacy.

The Foundation: The Sound Relationship House Model

The Sound Relationship House Model describes nine essential components that create a strong, healthy, and lasting relationship. Each level represents a key element for emotional connection, mutual respect, and shared meaning.

Build Love Maps: Understanding your partner’s inner world — their likes, worries, hopes, and dreams.
Share Fondness and Admiration: Express appreciation and respect regularly.
Turn Toward Instead of Away: Respond positively to bids for attention, affection, and communication.
Positive Perspective: Maintain a positive emotional view of the relationship, especially during conflicts.
Manage Conflict: Approach disagreements constructively using techniques like soft startups and compromise.
Make Life Dreams Come True: Support each other’s goals and personal aspirations.
Create Shared Meaning: Build rituals, values, and traditions that give your relationship purpose.
Trust: Believe that your partner has your best interest at heart.
Commitment: Nurture long-term dedication and loyalty.

Key Techniques in Gottman Therapy

Emocare integrates Gottman-based techniques in relationship counseling programs to help psychologists and counselors strengthen couple dynamics. These include:

Emotion coaching and conflict de-escalation
Identifying and reducing the “Four Horsemen” (Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling)
Enhancing friendship and admiration systems
Creating rituals for connection and emotional repair

Benefits of Applying Gottman Therapy

Couples and families experience measurable growth when the Sound Relationship House principles are applied consistently:

Improved communication and emotional safety
Healthier conflict resolution
Deeper emotional intimacy
Long-term relationship satisfaction
Reduced stress and relational anxiety

Testimonials

“Learning the Gottman techniques at Emocare transformed the way I counsel couples. The Sound Relationship House Model gives structure to emotional healing.”

– Ranjani, Relationship Therapist

“Emocare’s practical training in Gottman Therapy helped me understand how trust and communication rebuild love.”

– Kiran, Psychology Student

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of Gottman Therapy?

To enhance emotional connection, build trust, and improve communication patterns between partners.

Can counselors learn Gottman Therapy at Emocare?

Yes, Emocare offers structured modules introducing Gottman principles and relationship-building tools for psychologists and counselors.

Is the Sound Relationship House Model evidence-based?

Yes, it is based on decades of scientific research by the Gottman Institute on relationship dynamics and long-term success predictors.

Conclusion

At Emocare, the Go