A Gottman Therapist (CGT) refers to a clinician trained and certified in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an approach developed by John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman.
What “CGT” means
CGT = Certified Gottman Therapist
This is an advanced credential awarded by the Gottman Institute after extensive training, supervision, and evaluation.
What the Gottman Method is
It’s a research-based couples therapy approach grounded in decades of observational studies on relationships. The method focuses on improving:
- Emotional connection
- Communication patterns
- Conflict management
- Trust and commitment
Core concepts a CGT uses
A Certified Gottman Therapist typically works with ideas like:
- The “Sound Relationship House” (a framework for healthy relationships)
- The Four Horsemen (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling)
- Building love maps (deep knowledge of your partner)
- Strengthening fondness and admiration
- Repairing conflict rather than eliminating it
What makes a CGT different
Note that some therapist who uses Gottman techniques could be certified.
A CGT has:
- Completed all levels of Gottman training
- Possibly, Submitted recorded therapy sessions for review
- Demonstrated competence in applying the method
- Ongoing professional development
What to expect in sessions
With a CGT, therapy is usually:
- Structured and goal-oriented
- Based on assessment tools (questionnaires, interviews)
- Focused on skills-building, not just talking
- Often includes home exercises for couples
When people seek a CGT
- Communication breakdown
- Recurring conflict
- Infidelity recovery
- Emotional distance
- Pre-marital counseling
Bottom line
A Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) could be a highly trained couples therapist using one of the most empirically supported relationship models available today.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 