Strengthening Your Relationship with the Dr John Gottman's Method of Relationship Counselling in Canberra

At Motion Wellness in Canberra, we help couples reconnect and strengthen their relationships using evidence-based methods, including the principles developed by Dr John Gottman — one of the world’s most respected researchers on love, communication, and long-term relationship success.

Our relationship counselling services in Canberra are guided by proven techniques from Gottman’s work to help couples create deeper understanding, rebuild trust, and improve communication.

The Dr John Gottman Method of Relationship Counselling in Canberra

Dr John Gottman is a world-renowned psychologist and relationship expert known for over four decades of research into what makes relationships work — and what causes them to fail.

His research, often conducted with his wife Dr Julie Gottman, led to the creation of the Gottman Method, a structured, evidence-based approach to improving relationships through emotional connection, communication, and trust.

The Gottman Method Explained

The Gottman Method focuses on strengthening the friendship foundation between partners, learning to manage conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in life together.

It’s designed to help couples:

• Build empathy and emotional connection

• Communicate clearly and respectfully

• Navigate conflict without blame or criticism

• Rekindle affection and intimacy

  
  

At Motion Wellness, these principles guide our relationship counselling in Canberra to ensure couples gain lasting tools for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.

Couple feeling happy and connected after therapy session

The Four Horsemen of Relationship Breakdown

Dr Gottman identified four key negative communication patterns that can predict relationship breakdown — known as the Four Horsemen:

1. Criticism – Attacking your partner’s character rather than addressing a specific behaviour.

2. Contempt – Speaking down to your partner or showing disrespect.

3. Defensiveness – Refusing to take responsibility or counter-attacking.

4. Stonewalling – Shutting down emotionally or withdrawing from the conversation.

Recognising and changing these behaviours is essential to rebuilding connection and trust in a relationship.

How the Gottman Method Helps Couples in Canberra

Many couples who begin with our relationship counselling in Canberra sessions discover that Gottman’s methods offer practical, easy-to-use strategies that can transform how they communicate and relate to each other.

We guide couples to:

• Express needs and feelings without blame

• Listen to understand, not to respond

• Replace criticism with appreciation

• Turn toward each other in moments of stress, rather than away

If you’re looking to improve connection, communication, or trust, Gottman’s evidence-based approach can provide lasting results.

Building Stronger Communication Skills

Communication is the heartbeat of every strong relationship. Using Gottman’s principles, we teach couples to identify patterns that lead to disconnection and replace them with positive, constructive habits.

For more practical advice on improving communication, read our related article on how to communicate better in a relationship.

Ready to Strengthen Your Relationship?

If you and your partner are ready to apply Dr John Gottman’s principles to create more harmony and connection, our team at Motion Wellness Canberra is here to help.

Book a relationship counselling session in Canberra today and take the first step toward a more connected, fulfilling partnership.

👉 Book Now or call (02) 6179 6321