Gottman Relationship Assessment
What It Is and Why I Use It
The Gottman Relationship Assessment is a research-based tool developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, internationally recognized leaders in couples research. It is designed to provide a comprehensive picture of a couple’s strengths, challenges, and relational patterns.
This assessment is not a test you “pass or fail.” Instead, it offers meaningful insight that helps guide therapy in a focused, effective, and personalized way.
Why the Gottman Assessment Is Helpful
Couples often come to counseling feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. The Gottman Assessment helps by:
- Identifying core strengths in your relationship
- Clarifying areas of stress or disconnection
- Highlighting patterns related to communication, conflict, and emotional safety
- Helping therapy move beyond surface arguments to underlying needs
Using this assessment allows us to work intentionally rather than reactively.
What the Assessment Covers
The Gottman Assessment evaluates multiple areas of relationship functioning, including:
- Friendship and emotional connection
- Communication styles and conflict patterns
- Trust, commitment, and intimacy
- Emotional responsiveness and support
- Shared meaning, values, and goals
- Stress (individual and relational)
- Past experiences that may influence present dynamics
Each partner completes the assessment individually, allowing for honest and thoughtful responses.
What the Assessment Is Not
It’s important to know what the Gottman Assessment does not do:
- It does not assign blame
- It does not label one partner as “the problem”
- It does not determine whether a relationship should continue or end
- It does not replace therapy or human connection
Instead, it provides a roadmap for meaningful therapeutic work.
How the Assessment Is Used in Therapy
After both partners complete the assessment:
- I review the results carefully and thoroughly
- We discuss the findings together in session
- The results guide our treatment plan and therapy goals
- Interventions are chosen based on your specific relationship needs
This process helps therapy feel clear, structured, and collaborative.
Why I Ask Clients to Complete This Before We Meet
Having the assessment completed ahead of time allows us to:
- Use session time more effectively
- Avoid spending early sessions guessing or gathering basic information
- Focus quickly on what matters most to your relationship
- Create a sense of direction and purpose from the beginning
Many couples report feeling relieved and understood simply by seeing their relationship reflected accurately in the results.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Your assessment responses are confidential and used solely for therapeutic purposes. Results are reviewed only by your therapist and discussed with care and respect during sessions.
Assessment Fees & Requirements
The assessment will be sent individually by email and must be completed prior to the first session. A $45 assessment fee is required in advance.