A research-based clinical training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, presented by David Lechnyr, LCSW.
See the list of all available trainings
What Level 1 Covers
Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm is built on Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman’s five decades of research with more than 3,000 couples, one of the largest longitudinal studies on marital stability and divorce prediction ever conducted. The workshop is organized around the Sound Relationship House model and gives clinicians a research-based structure for assessment and intervention.
Participants work through the distinction between the “Masters” and “Disasters” of relationships identified in the Gottmans’ research, learn structured, validated methods for assessing a couple’s conflict patterns, friendship system, and shared meaning, and view case footage, including original Love Lab research video and clinical demonstrations led by Dr. Julie Gottman.
What You’ll Learn
- How to predict relationship stability using Gottman’s research-based assessment framework
- The seven levels of the Sound Relationship House theory
- How to conduct a structured couple’s assessment, drawing on the couple’s narrative, the Oral History Interview, and observed conflict
- Interventions to strengthen conflict management, deepen a couple’s friendship system, and build shared meaning
- Why physiological self-soothing matters for a healthy relationship, and how to teach it
- How to build a therapeutic contract with a couple around clear goals
What’s Included
- Assessment, Intervention, and Research & Theory behind Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Official Gottman Level 1 manual for each participant
- Case footage from Gottman Institute research and clinical demonstration videos
- Certificate of Completion issued by The Gottman Institute
- Eligible for up to 12 hours of continuing education credit available (additional purchase)
- Ability to continue on to Gottman Level 2: Assessment, Intervention & Co-Morbidities training
Who This Training is For
- Licensed mental health providers and clinicians building couples therapy skills
- Group practices, clinics, and agencies training their clinical team together
- Allied professionals and clergy
- Students and interns
- Family clinic and EAP staff
- Professors and researchers in couples and family studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gottman Level 1 training?
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm is The Gottman Institute’s foundational clinical training for couples therapy, based on the Gottmans’ research into what separates stable relationships from those headed toward divorce.
Is this the same curriculum offered at other Gottman Level 1 workshops?
Yes. The content, learning objectives, and certification process are consistent across Certified Gottman Trainers, regardless of who presents the workshop.
Is continuing education credit available?
Yes. Level 1 is eligible for up to 12 CE hours through an approved continuing education provider, at an additional cost of $40.
Who is eligible to attend?
Licensed mental health providers, allied professionals, clergy, students and interns, family clinic and EAP staff, and professors or researchers in couples and family studies. There are no prerequisites.
Do you offer any special rates?
Yes, for students or with 5 or more staff from the same agency attending. Additional savings if also offering in-person teaching accommodations at your agency. To inquire, contact the office directly at 503-941-0490.
