If you’re looking for a couples therapist who mentions “Gottman training” or searching for information about becoming Gottman-trained yourself, this guide will help you understand what these different training levels actually mean.
The Story Behind Gottman Training
When Drs. John and Julie Gottman began teaching their research-based approach to couples therapy in the 1990s, there was no formal structure. Therapists would attend a workshop, learn some techniques, and go back to their practices. But as the method proved increasingly effective, the need for standardized training became clear.
The current training system emerged in the early 2000s, creating a clear path from basic workshop attendance all the way to becoming a certified specialist. In 2003, the first 12 therapists completed the certification process, setting the standard for what would become one of the most rigorous training programs in couples therapy.
Understanding the Clinical Training Levels
In 1999, the two-level training system was introduced. In 2007, Level 3 Practicum was added as bridge to certification.
Level 1 Training: Getting Your Feet Wet
Level 1 is where everyone starts. It’s a two-day workshop that introduces the basic concepts of the Gottman Method. You’ll learn about the Sound Relationship House, the Four Horsemen that predict relationship failure, and some basic interventions.
I completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy in 2015, and I’ll be honest: At first, I was skeptical. Another couples therapy approach? Really? But sitting in that workshop, watching videos of real couples, seeing how precisely the Gottmans could predict relationship outcomes… it was eye-opening. I remember thinking, “This is actual science, not just theory.”
Think of Level 1 as learning the vocabulary of a new language. You understand the words, but you’re not yet conversational. Therapists who complete Level 1 can identify relationship dynamics through the Gottman lens and provide basic education to couples, but they’re not yet equipped to handle complex cases.
What struck me most in Level 1 was how often I recognized my own relationship patterns in the material. It’s one thing to be a therapist; it’s another to see your own marriage reflected in the research. That personal connection made the learning deeper.
Level 2 Training: Diving Deeper
Level 2 is another two-day workshop, but now things get serious. This training covers how to work with affairs, trauma, addiction, and other complications that real couples bring to therapy. You learn the full assessment process and more sophisticated interventions.
I waited until 2016 for Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and in retrospect, I wish I’d done it sooner. That year gap meant I was trying to use Level 1 tools for Level 2 problems. It was like trying to perform surgery with a butter knife: Possible, but not ideal.
The difference between Level 1 and Level 2 is like the difference between knowing how to identify a problem and knowing how to fix it. A Level 2 trained therapist can work with most couples, though they’re still developing their skills. They can conduct the full Gottman Assessment and have tools for crisis situations.
Level 2 was where I finally felt equipped to handle the couples who came to me in crisis. Learning the aftermath of a fight intervention changed my practice immediately. The very next week, I used it with a couple who’d been stuck in the same argument for three years. Watching them finally hear each other was… well, it’s why we do this work. Level 2 concepts are also where the majority of the subsequent training levels will often reference back to.
Level 3: Learning by Doing
Level 3 is completely different from the first two levels. Instead of sitting in a workshop, you’re in a small group practicum that meets monthly for four to six months. You submit videos of your actual therapy sessions and receive detailed feedback from certified consultants.
I started Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy in 2020. [efn_note]Yes, that’s the actual terminology. The Gottman Institute is quite picky on this point.[/efn_note] For those that recall, that was during the pandemic. Our practicum met entirely online, which felt strange at first but ended up creating an unexpectedly intimate learning environment. There’s something vulnerable about sharing your actual clinical work with peers, and doing it from our home offices made it feel even more personal.
This is where the rubber meets the road. You’re not just learning about the method; you’re applying it with real couples and getting coached on your technique. It’s intense, sometimes uncomfortable, but incredibly valuable. The practicum costs between $1,595 and $2,195 and provides over 40 hours of training.
The first time I submitted a video, I was understandably cautious. Here I was, an experienced therapist, feeling like a first-year grad student again. The consultant pointed out that I was so focused on following the Gottman structure that I’d lost my natural therapeutic presence. “Stop performing the method and start embodying it,” she said. That feedback changed everything.
Many therapists describe Level 3 as transformative. You move from knowing the theory to embodying the practice. Your interventions become more natural, your timing improves, and you develop the clinical intuition that distinguishes good therapists from great ones.
Certification: Proving Mastery
Becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist is the Mount Everest of Gottman training. It typically takes two to three years from starting Level 1, though some complete it faster and others take longer.
I completed Certification Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy in 2021, six years after starting Level 1. Could I have done it faster? Absolutely. But I’m glad I took my time. Those years of practice between levels meant I brought real experience to each stage of training.
The certification process is rigorous. After completing all three levels of training, you must participate in consultation groups for at least six months, submit multiple videos demonstrating your competency, write detailed case conceptualizations, and pass evaluation by expert reviewers.
My certification videos were rejected twice, which is not unusual.[efn_note]Only about 65% of therapists pass the video review on their first attempt. This isn’t meant to discourage anyone; it’s meant to ensure that when someone calls themselves a Certified Gottman Therapist, it really means something.[/efn_note] The first time, I was trying too hard to showcase every Gottman intervention I knew. The second time, I overcorrected and was too passive. The third submission, where I finally just trusted my training and stayed present with the couple, passed with flying colors.
The total investment for certification ranges from $5,000 to $8,000, including all training levels, consultation, and fees. But certified therapists typically see their practices grow significantly, with higher outcomes for clients as well as specialized referrals.
Since certification, my practice has transformed. Not just busier (though it is that), but deeper. I work with couples other therapists refer because they’re “too difficult.” The certification gives me confidence to stay calm in the storm of high-conflict sessions.
The Educational Track: Teaching Without Treating
Not everyone who uses Gottman methods provides therapy. There’s a whole educational track for professionals who want to teach relationship skills without doing clinical work.
Seven Principles Leaders
These educators are trained to lead workshops based on The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. They work with groups of couples in educational settings, teaching research-based principles for healthy relationships. It’s perfect for coaches, educators, or therapists who want to offer preventive programs.
I completed the Seven Principles Leader training in 2021, the same year as my certification. After years of working with couples in crisis, I wanted to also reach couples before problems became entrenched. There’s something hopeful about teaching prevention: Watching couples learn tools they’ll use to avoid the pain I see in my therapy office.
The skills from the Seven Principals Leadership Training has taught me different skills than just therapy. You actually provide more than just therapy, educating more than processing. But watching twenty couples practice Love Maps exercises together, hearing the laughter as they discover things they didn’t know about each other; it reminds me why this work matters.
The Art and Science of Love Workshop Leader
The Art and Science of Love workshop is Gottman’s intensive weekend program for couples. Trained leaders can offer these workshops in their communities, providing couples with a concentrated dose of relationship education.
I haven’t yet pursued the Art and Science of Love Leader training, but it’s on my radar. Having led Seven Principles groups, I see the power of workshop formats. The Art and Science workshop is different; it’s an intensive weekend where couples get the equivalent of six months of therapy education in two days. The research shows that couples who attend these workshops show similar improvements to those who complete therapy.
What draws me to this training is the format itself. Imagine working with a group of couples simultaneously, all learning and practicing together. There’s something powerful about couples realizing they’re not alone in their struggles. When one couple shares a breakthrough, every other couple in the room learns from it.
The workshop leader training is intensive.[efn_note]As part of the process, you also have to meet one-on-one with Don Cole, Clinical Director for the Gottman Institute. Talk about pressure![/efn_note] You learn not just the content but how to manage the group dynamics when multiple couples are processing deep material simultaneously. Leaders need to be comfortable presenting to large groups while maintaining clinical sensitivity to couples who might be triggered by the material.
From colleagues who’ve completed this training, I’ve heard it’s both exhilarating and exhausting. You’re “on” for an entire weekend, holding space for multiple couples’ emotions while teaching complex concepts. But they also describe the Sunday afternoon breakthroughs, when couples who arrived barely speaking leave hand-in-hand, as career highlights.
Why I’m considering adding this to my toolkit: After years of individual couple work and Seven Principles groups, I want to offer something for couples who need more than education but aren’t ready for (or can’t afford) ongoing therapy. The Art and Science workshop fills that gap perfectly.
Bringing Baby Home Educators
This specialized program trains professionals to work with couples transitioning to parenthood. The research shows that 67% of couples experience a decline in relationship satisfaction after having a baby. Bringing Baby Home educators help couples prepare for and navigate this transition.
Advanced Roles: Training the Trainers
For those who want to go even further, there are paths to becoming a consultant or trainer. Consultants supervise therapists working toward certification. Master Trainers teach Levels 1, 2, and 3. These roles require years of experience and demonstrated excellence in both clinical work and teaching.
Currently, there are only a handful of Master Trainers worldwide. It’s an invitation-only position reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the field.
Am I working toward consultant status? Maybe someday. For now, I’m focused on deepening my clinical work and growing my workshop offerings. The beauty of this training pathway is that there’s always another level to aspire to, always more to learn.
What This Means for Couples Seeking Help
If you’re looking for a Gottman therapist, understanding these levels helps you make an informed choice. Here’s the practical breakdown:
For relationship enrichment or minor issues, a Level 1 or 2 trained therapist can be helpful. They can teach you communication skills and help you understand your relationship dynamics.
For moderate conflicts or ongoing problems, look for someone with Level 3 training or higher. They’ve demonstrated their ability to apply the methods effectively.
For complex issues (affairs, trauma, addiction, high conflict) seek a Certified Gottman Therapist. They’ve proven their competency through rigorous evaluation and have the skills to handle challenging cases.
From my own experience, I can tell you that certification made me a different therapist. Not better than my colleagues who chose different paths, but more confident with the specific challenges Gottman Method addresses best: High conflict, assessment-based treatment, and research-grounded interventions.
What This Means for Therapists
If you’re a therapist considering Gottman training, start with Level 1 to see if the approach resonates with you. The method is highly structured, which some therapists love and others find constraining.
My advice after going through it all: Don’t rush. I know therapists who blazed through all levels in 18 months and struggled to integrate the learning. Take time between levels to practice. Make mistakes with the methods. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Plan to complete Level 2 fairly quickly after Level 1 – the two build on each other. Then give yourself time to practice before moving to Level 3. The therapists who do best in the practicum are those who’ve been using the methods with multiple couples.
If you’re considering certification, be prepared for a significant investment of time, money, and emotional energy. The process is demanding but rewarding. Certified therapists report high career satisfaction and often become go-to referrals in their communities.
The hardest part for me wasn’t the time or money. It was the vulnerability of having experts review my work. But that vulnerability is what makes the certification meaningful. You can’t fake competence when someone’s watching your actual sessions.
How to Verify Training
Anyone can claim to be “Gottman trained,” so it’s important to verify credentials. The Gottman Referral Network lists certified therapists and many who are working toward certification. You can also ask therapists directly about their training level and when they completed each stage.
Be wary of therapists who are vague about their training or who claim to be “certified in Gottman” without the official Certified Gottman Therapist credential. The distinction matters.
I’m transparent about my journey because I want clients to make informed choices. My certification number is publicly verifiable. My training dates are clear. This transparency builds trust before we even meet.
The Future of Gottman Training
The Gottman Institute continues to evolve its training to meet changing needs. Online options expanded dramatically during the pandemic and remain popular. New specialized tracks are in development. Their core commitment remains the same: Ensuring that therapists who use Gottman methods are properly trained to help couples build stronger, healthier relationships.
Making Your Decision
Whether you’re a couple seeking help or a therapist considering training, the key is matching the level of expertise to the need at hand. Not every situation requires a certified specialist, but complex cases deserve highly trained professionals.
The Gottman Method has helped hundreds of thousands of couples over the past 40 years. The training system ensures that this help is delivered by professionals who truly understand how to apply the research in real-world situations.
Remember, the letters after someone’s name are just the beginning. What matters is their ability to help you create the relationship you want. The training levels simply help ensure they have the tools to do so effectively.
My journey from Level 1 to begin a Certified Gottman Therapist has taught me that expertise isn’t just about accumulating certificates. It’s about the integration of knowledge, practice, feedback, and humility. Every level built on the last, creating not just a certified therapist, but a more effective healer.
Whether you’re seeking help or seeking training, I hope this guide helps you understand what these levels mean. Not just on paper, but in practice.
Want more information? Learn about about Gottman training opportunities or search for a trained Gottman therapist in your area. If you’re looking for a Certified Gottman Therapist in Oregon or Arizona, I’d be honored to help.