Therapie | 210 25th Ave N suite 601, Nashville, TN 37203 — (615) 551 9195 | 1330 Lagoon Ave 4th Floor Ste 459, Minneapolis, MN 55408 — (612) 287-5100

Gottman Method in Minneapolis

Do You Feel Like You and Your Partner Speak Different Languages?

Do you ever feel like you and your partner don’t quite connect the way you used to? Like no matter how you approach your conflicts together, the same fight (about the dishes in the sink, who’s handling school pickup, or whether your in-laws get a vote on your vacation plans) happens over and over again? Sometimes it feels less like you’re partners and more like roommates navigating the same Minneapolis address.

The Gottman Method is a highly structured, research-based approach to couples therapy designed to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and foster deeper emotional connection. As one of the most thoroughly tested relationship approaches available, The Gottman Method has helped Twin Cities couples from every background—from young professionals in the North Loop to established families in Edina—find common ground and create a path forward that works for both partners.

Thanks to its practical nature and concrete tools, The Gottman Method particularly helps couples struggling with:

Life transitions and career stress
Trust issues that feel insurmountable
Diminished intimacy and connection
Persistent communication breakdowns
Conflicts about parenting, money, or extended family
That feeling of growing apart despite sharing a life

With the goal of improving conflict resolution and building shared meaning, The Gottman Method helps couples create a stronger, more resilient relationship foundation.

Interested in The Gottman Method? Send us a message!

How The Gottman Method Came to Be

Through decades of rigorous research, Drs. John and Julie Gottman discovered something rather sobering: 69 percent of conflicts between couples are perpetual—meaning they’ll never fully resolve. Not exactly encouraging odds, right? Your Minnesota Wild might have better chances at the Stanley Cup than you and your partner have of agreeing on the perfect thermostat setting.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the Gottmans realized that happy couples aren’t those who solve every problem. Instead, they’re the ones who learn to navigate their differences with humor, respect, and understanding. These ongoing issues usually stem from personality differences and core values rather than relationship flaws. And considering John and Julie have been together since the early 80s (back when Prince was just hitting his stride at First Avenue), they’ve clearly figured out something worth sharing.

Their research revealed that lasting relationships aren’t about eliminating disagreements but about learning to discuss differences without damaging your bond. Using data from thousands of couples, they developed The Gottman Method—a refreshingly practical alternative to the abstract approaches that came before it.

Their findings crystallized into seven principles that predict relationship success:

Building Love Maps – Really knowing your partner’s inner world, from their daily stresses to their deepest dreams
Nurturing Fondness and Admiration – Actively expressing appreciation and respect
Turning Toward, Not Away – Responding positively when your partner reaches for connection
Accepting Influence – Valuing each other’s input in decisions big and small
Solving Solvable Problems – Tackling the conflicts that actually can be resolved
Overcoming Gridlock – Managing perpetual issues without wounding each other
Creating Shared Meaning – Building a life together that feels purposeful to both partners

Think of The Gottman Method as a translation guide for your relationship—helping you both speak the same emotional language.

What You Can Expect in Gottman Therapy

Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment at our Uptown Minneapolis office. This isn’t about judgment or taking sides; it’s about understanding where you are as a couple and where you want to be. During this initial phase, both partners share their perspectives on the relationship, helping us identify the specific areas that need attention.

From there, we introduce Gottman-specific tools and exercises designed to improve communication and resolve conflict. Instead of recycling the same painful arguments, you’ll learn practical techniques for:

De-escalating tension before discussions become destructive
Expressing needs clearly so your partner can truly hear you
Repairing disconnection after conflicts or hurt feelings
Building daily rituals that keep you connected despite busy schedules
Creating shared goals for your future together in the Twin Cities

You’ll leave each session with specific homework, and no, it’s not the tedious kind. These are exercises designed to help you practice new ways of connecting, whether that’s having a stress-reducing conversation after work or planning a proper date night that doesn’t involve errands at Target.

The beauty of this approach? You’re not just talking about your problems, you’re actively building skills to handle them better.

The Gottman Method at Therapie

As a practice that focuses on understanding what’s happening in your relationship and why, our couples therapists genuinely love The Gottman Method. We appreciate evidence-based approaches because they deliver real results for our Minneapolis clients who want clear strategies, not vague insights.

This approach has been central to our practice since we opened our doors. We have multiple therapists who’ve completed Level 2 Gottman Method training: they’re not just familiar with the concepts, they’re extensively trained in applying them. While we always individualize treatment for each couple, Gottman principles often guide our work because, frankly, they work.

We’ve seen Twin Cities couples transform their relationships using these methods. From rebuilding after infidelity to navigating major life transitions, from breaking decades-old patterns to preparing for marriage, we’ve witnessed the power of this approach firsthand. And we’re confident it can help you too.

You Probably Have Questions...

"What if my partner is skeptical about therapy?"

Many people, especially pragmatic Minnesotans, initially feel uncertain about couples therapy. The Gottman Method often appeals to skeptics because it's grounded in research and provides concrete tools rather than abstract concepts. We offer free 15-minute consultations where both partners can ask questions and get a feel for how this works. No pressure, no judgment, just information.

"We're drowning in work and family obligations. How do we fit this in?"

We get it: between careers, kids' activities, and Minnesota's eight months of winter, finding time feels impossible. Our Uptown location is convenient to most of the metro, and we offer evening appointments. Plus, the Gottman Method's structured approach means you're using your time efficiently. Even the homework is designed to fit into your existing routine rather than adding more to your plate.

"Are we too far gone for this to help?"

Unless there's active abuse or untreated addiction, most relationships can benefit from The Gottman Method. We've worked with couples who were consulting divorce attorneys, couples who hadn't been intimate in years, couples who could barely be in the same room without fighting. The method is specifically designed to work even when trust has been broken or resentment runs deep. Sometimes the couples who think they're "too far gone" make the most dramatic improvements.

Build a Relationship That Actually Works

You and your partner aren’t from different planets—you just need help understanding each other’s language. Whether you’re newlyweds figuring out how to merge two lives or long-term partners who’ve lost your way, The Gottman Method offers a clear path forward. At Therapie, we’re ready to help you move from endless loops of conflict to genuine connection and understanding. You deserve a relationship where you feel heard, valued, and genuinely partnered, not just coexisting at the same Minneapolis address. Ready to learn more? Contact us at (615) 551-9195 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. Therapie is located at 1330 Lagoon Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite 459 in Uptown Minneapolis, easily accessible from 94, 35W, and surrounding neighborhoods. We offer both in-person and online sessions to fit your needs.

Key Principles of the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy

What Is Gottman Therapy and How Does It Work?

The 7 Key Principles of Gottman Couples Therapy

Gottman Method Minneapolis

1330 Lagoon Ave 4th Floor Ste 459,
Minneapolis, MN 55408

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Therapie

Therapist in Nashville, TN & Minneapolis, MN

At Therapie, we offer individual and couples therapy, as well as weekend intensives and online courses, so you can get the support you need, when you need it. Our services include: individual counseling, premarital, and couples counseling. If you are working on issues related to work, your relationship or life, we got you.

Locations

Nashville, TN Office

210 25th Ave N suite 601, Nashville, TN 37203

Call: 615-551-9195

Minneapolis, MN Office

1330 Lagoon Ave 4th Floor Ste 459, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Call: (612) 287-5100

Areas Served

Minneapolis, Nashville, East Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and online throughout Minnesota and Tennessee.