Evidence-Based Couples Therapy

Evidence based couples therapy is a science-based approach to helping couples.

Evidence-based or science-based practices are treatments that are based directly on scientific evidence. This evidence links particular sets of behaviors and symptoms, with treatment designed to intervene, lessen, or alleviate this distress. Most evidence-based practices were studied in several large-scale clinical trials, involving thousands of patients.

Then, evidence-based couples therapy makes a careful comparison is made between the effectiveness of one “treatment” vs. the efficacy of another (or no treatment at all, like a wait-list group). When one treatment is consistently proven to be superior to another, it is labeled “Evidence-based Practice” (EBP). Emotionally-focused couples therapy has been tested against other modalities in this way.

Other researchers have studied a variety of couples themselves, in a laboratory setting, and followed them over decades. These studies, like the ones Dr. Gottman has conducted, are science-based, linking actual interactional patterns firmly to marital happiness or divorce outcomes.

Most also have additional models they use. We all have a basis in science, to keep the guesswork out of it.  Our goal?

To apply the right help to the right couple you need to choose the most effective couples therapy. That's what strengthens the bond.

At Couples Therapy Inc, we take a strong stand requiring all our Couples Therapists to demonstrate training and skill in at least one of these evidence-based couples therapy approaches and work toward advanced training in that model. Many have advanced training in one or both, and others have expertise in 2, 3, or 4 methods of helping couples.

What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy? 

Science + Common Sense

Gottman Method Couples Therapy combines the knowledge and wisdom of four decades of Gottman research and clinical practice. Through research-based interventions and exercises, couples learn to break through barriers and achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented, science-based therapy.  Interventions are based on empirical data from Dr. Gottman's four decades of research with more than 3,000 couples. This research shows us what works to help couples achieve a healthy, long-term relationship. The Gottman Method was developed out of this research to help couples:

The Gottman Theory for Making Relationships Work

"…When we live with a person who is sensitive and responsive to our needs, we feel safe and cared for. When that doesn’t happen, however, there are predictable ways we respond, based upon our earliest history. These Johnson calls “Dances.” When they work, they are like a Tango. When they don’t, they are demonic:  "Demon Dances.”

Attachment Injuries

About Dr. Sue Johnson

This two-day conference was packed with couples therapists as these three giants discussed interventions, theory, and practical application. Many of our team members eagerly attended.

These thought-leaders sat on two couches around a coffee table and had a conversation as if we were all in one huge living room. They explored the differences and similarities in their theories. Most of the time they highly complementary, and even reverent. But sometimes they were respectfully passionate about the nuances and differences in their approaches.

Clinically based Models

It makes sense.

If you can exclude those couples that have low motivation for treatment, or who have consulted an attorney, or filed for divorce, you are likely to get better research “results.”

COUPLES THERAPY INC.
Healing Relationships Worldwide