Relationship Experts We Love: John Gottman, Ph.D.

“Make it intentional how we move through time together. Those actions are about working towards shared meaning. The rituals of connection are very important.” - John Gottman, Ph.D.John Gottman, Ph.D. is world renowned for the research he’s done on the stability, and instability, of marriage. He has discovered the keys to building a successful marriage that last a lifetime; and is able to predict which couples will divorce with over 90% accuracy.John and his wife, Julie Gottman, Ph.D., co-founded the Gottman Institute in Seattle, Washington in 1999, and then the Relationship Research Institute. For over 35 years the Gottmans have rigorously and scientifically studied thousands of couples and provided objective information on what couples need to sustain their relationships.The results of John Gottman’s research have had a profound impact on marriage and relationship therapists, not to mention all the couples he’s helped. Psychotherapy Networker named him one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Therapists” of the last 25 years. We have taken workshops with him and Julie, and highly recommend any books, products or workshops produced by the Gottmans.Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last described Gottman’s study of hundreds of couples who came to the “Love Lab,” apartments where couples lived and were studied with cameras, video and physiological recording equipment. Analysis revealed three important findings:1) The inability to resolve conflict was the #1 reason couples divorce.2) Couples whose communication was high in criticism, contempt, defensiveness and withdrawal without resolution were likely to divorce.3) Stable marriages have a ratio of 5 positive moments to 1 negative moment.In the book, Gottman offers practical steps to help couples strengthen their relationships and resolve issues constructively.Here are some other Gottman resources:The Gottman Institute is a one-stop shop for professionals and for couples who want to improve their relationships. Workshops, couples therapy, and other products are offered.Gottman’s actual research is available on-line.Brief video clips of interviews with John Gottman are fascinating:Four Negative Patterns That Predict Divorce (Part 1)Four Negative Patterns That Predict Divorce (Part 2)John Gottman's Relationship Repair that WorksJohn Gottman: How to Build TrustWe would love to hear your thoughts about John Gottman’s work on Facebook or email us at info@RelationshipsWork.com.