Evidence-Based Couples Therapy — Calgary & Alberta

Gottman Method Couples Therapy Calgary —
relationships worth fighting for.

Center Street Psychology offers Gottman Method couples therapy with registered psychologists trained in Levels I and II. Backed by 40 years of research on over 3,000 couples, the Gottman Method is the most rigorously studied approach to couples therapy in the world — and it works.

Gottman Level I & II Trained Registered Psychologists In-Person & Telehealth Free 15-Min Consult
Couples therapy Calgary — Center Street Psychology
"How Long Does It Take To Fix a Marriage? Give the Gottmans 7 Days"
— New York Times
"The Einstein of Love"
— Psychology Today
"Globally Recognized as the #1 Couples Counselling Method by Millions Worldwide"
— Gottman Institute
Gottman-Trained Psychologists

Meet your therapists

Registered psychologists — Calgary & across Alberta via telehealth

Lindsay McNena Registered Psychologist Calgary
Lindsay McNena
M.C. · Registered Psychologist
View Profile
Dr Sandra Dame Registered Psychologist Calgary
Dr. Sandra Dame
Ph.D. · Registered Psychologist
View Profile
Wanda Chevrette Registered Psychologist Calgary
Wanda Chevrette
M.C. · Registered Psychologist
View Profile
Tyler Schamehorn Registered Psychologist Calgary
Tyler Schamehorn
M.C. · Registered Psychologist
View Profile
Vanessa Rae Provisional Psychologist Calgary
Vanessa Rae
M.C. · Provisional Psychologist
View Profile
Mary-Anne Williams Registered Psychologist Calgary
Mary-Anne Williams
M.C. · Registered Psychologist
View Profile
Carson Flockhart Provisional Psychologist Calgary
Carson Flockhart
M.C. · Provisional Psychologist
View Profile
Britta Carry Provisional Psychologist Calgary
Britta Carry
M.C. · Provisional Psychologist
View Profile

Every couple argues. Every couple drifts sometimes. The difference between relationships that thrive and those that don't isn't the absence of conflict — it's how couples navigate it. Dr. John Gottman spent four decades studying over 3,000 couples and discovered that he could predict whether a relationship would succeed or struggle with 94% accuracy — just by watching how partners interact.

What he found changed the field of couples therapy. The Gottman Method is not about who is right and who is wrong. It is about understanding the patterns that pull couples apart — and replacing them with habits that bring them closer. It is practical, structured, and built entirely on evidence.

At Center Street Psychology, our Gottman-trained registered psychologists use this approach to help couples rebuild friendship, manage conflict constructively, and create a relationship with shared purpose and meaning.

The research behind it

Dr. Gottman's research found that thriving couples maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions. A 2018 clinical trial showed that couples who completed 10 sessions of the Gottman Method scored significantly higher in intimacy and relationship quality. It is less about theory and more about what is proven to work — backed by data, not just instinct.

  • ✓40+ years of research on 3,000+ couples
  • ✓Effective for all relationship types and orientations
  • ✓Works for couples in crisis and couples who want to grow
  • ✓Structured assessment + personalized treatment plan
  • ✓Practical tools you use between sessions, not just in them

Who the Gottman Method helps

You do not need to be in crisis to benefit — but it works in crisis too

01
Couples stuck in the same arguments
If you find yourself having the same fight over and over without resolution, the Gottman Method helps identify the underlying dynamic and break the cycle for good.
02
Couples who have drifted apart
Emotional distance and disconnection are common — and treatable. The Gottman Method rebuilds friendship and intimacy from the ground up through practical, evidence-based exercises.
03
Rebuilding after betrayal or broken trust
The Gottman Method includes specific structured interventions designed for couples healing from infidelity, betrayal, or significant ruptures in trust.
04
Couples who want to grow stronger
You do not need to be struggling to benefit. Many couples use the Gottman Method proactively — to deepen their connection, prepare for major transitions, or simply invest in the relationship they already have.

The Four Horsemen

Dr. Gottman identified four behaviours that predict relationship breakdown — and their antidotes

Horseman 01
Criticism
Attacking your partner's character rather than addressing a specific behaviour. "You're so selfish" instead of "I felt ignored when you didn't ask about my day."
Antidote
Gentle startup — express a feeling about a specific situation, without blame.
Horseman 02
Contempt
Sarcasm, mockery, eye-rolling, or sneering — treating your partner as inferior. Contempt is the single strongest predictor of relationship failure in Gottman's research.
Antidote
Build a culture of appreciation — regularly express genuine gratitude and admiration.
Horseman 03
Defensiveness
Responding to concerns with counter-attacks or excuses rather than listening. Defensiveness signals to your partner that their concerns don't matter — and escalates conflict.
Antidote
Take responsibility — even for just a part of the problem. Acknowledge your partner's perspective.
Horseman 04
Stonewalling
Shutting down, withdrawing, or going silent during conflict. Usually a response to feeling emotionally flooded — but it signals to your partner that you've given up.
Antidote
Physiological self-soothing — take a break, calm your nervous system, and return to the conversation.

The Sound Relationship House

The seven-level framework that guides Gottman Method therapy

1
Love Maps
Knowing your partner's inner world — their hopes, fears, stresses, and dreams. Couples who maintain detailed love maps navigate life's changes with far greater resilience.
2
Fondness & Admiration
Regularly expressing genuine appreciation and respect. The antidote to contempt — and a foundation of lasting connection.
3
Turning Toward
Responding to your partner's bids for connection — the small everyday moments of reaching out. Couples who turn toward each other 86% of the time are far less likely to divorce.
4
Positive Perspective
Viewing conflict and your partner's actions through a positive lens. When the friendship is strong, problems feel solvable rather than threatening.
5
Managing Conflict
Learning to handle disagreements without gridlock. Notably, 69% of relationship conflicts are perpetual — the goal isn't to solve them but to manage them with understanding and humour.
6
Life Dreams
Supporting each other's individual goals, hopes, and aspirations. Many conflicts are symbolic — underneath them are unspoken life dreams waiting to be honoured.
7
Shared Meaning
Creating a relationship with shared rituals, values, goals, and symbols. Couples with a rich shared meaning system have a deep sense of purpose together.
+
Trust & Commitment
The walls of the house — the belief that your partner has your back, and the commitment to invest in this relationship above all others.

What to expect in therapy

A structured process designed to understand your relationship before treating it

1
Joint assessment session
Your first session is a conjoint intake where your psychologist learns about your relationship history, your concerns, and what you both hope to achieve in therapy.
2
Individual partner sessions
Your psychologist meets with each of you individually. This gives both partners space to share their perspective honestly, without the dynamic of the couple present.
3
Questionnaires & detailed feedback
Both partners complete relationship questionnaires. Your psychologist then provides detailed feedback on the strengths and growth areas in your relationship — specific, honest, and constructive.
4
Tailored therapy sessions
Sessions focus on the specific areas your relationship needs — whether that's conflict management, rebuilding intimacy, improving communication, or processing past hurts. Most couples see meaningful progress within 6 to 12 sessions.

Common questions

Do we need to be in crisis to start?
Not at all. The Gottman Method works for couples in distress and couples who simply want to invest in the relationship they have. Earlier is always easier.
How many sessions will we need?
Most couples see meaningful progress within 6 to 12 sessions. The exact number depends on your goals and the complexity of what you are working through.
Can it help after infidelity?
Yes. The Gottman Method includes specific structured interventions for rebuilding trust and safety after betrayal. It requires commitment from both partners, but it works.
Is it inclusive of all relationship types?
Absolutely. The Gottman Method has been validated for same-sex couples and diverse relationship structures. Our therapists provide affirming, inclusive care for all couples.
What if my partner is reluctant to come?
This is very common. Book a free consultation with our Director of Client Care — she can talk through how to approach the conversation with your partner and whether individual sessions first might help.

Practical details

  • Location1000 Centre St N #320, Calgary AB
  • TelehealthAvailable across Alberta
  • Session length50 minutes
  • InsuranceAll providers accepted, direct billing available
  • Free consult15-min call with Director of Client Care
  • Phone(403) 399-5120

Ready to invest in your relationship?

Book a complimentary 15-minute call with our Director of Client Care — she will personally match you with the right Gottman-trained psychologist for your relationship.