The Gottman Institute

The Gottman Institute was founded by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. Mainly, the Gottman Institute provides tools to help couples improve their relationships. In addition, it studies how families develop and grows over time. Finally, it trains mental health professionals and other care providers using the latest methods.

The Gottman Institute uses the latest research on marriage to create practical, down-to-earth therapy. Importantly, they rely on very detailed studies—more than any other approach—to learn why marriages succeed or fail. Moreover, the Institute trains therapists who truly care about helping couples. Also, their website is packed with lots of free and useful information. For example, you can read the Gottman Relationship Blog to learn more about their methods or visit the Research Overview page for more details. Finally, find out more about the Gottman Institute here: The Gottman Institute, Inc.

Craig Tucker, LCSW, CGT, and TuckerWorks

Craig Tucker, LCSW is a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) with extensive experience. He has served as a facilitator for Gottman Institute trainings—such as the Art and Science of Love workshops in Seattle—and he continues to contribute to the Institute’s Love Lab development group. Since 2017, Craig has been offering Art and Science of Love workshops in the Inland Southern California area, and in 2025, he will be providing clinical Gottman Method training at TuckerWorks.

The Gottman Referral Network

The Gottman Referral Network is an easy source to find therapists who use the Gottman Method in their practice. You can filter your search for a Trained Gottman Therapist or for a Certified Gottman Therapist near you.

  • A trained Gottman therapist has completed one of the three levels of the Gottman Training program.
  • A Certified Gottman Therapist has over 300 hours of experience working with couples. They complete all three levels of training and spend at least 10 hours being supervised and guided by a Certified Gottman Trainer. The certification process makes sure they use Gottman techniques and methods correctly. Lastly, the candidates submit video examples of their work to the institute and pass an exam to earn their certification.
Craig Tucker's profile on the Gottman Referral Network

The Gottman Relationship Coach Series: Self-Paced DIY Tools

Gottman Relationship Coach-Self-Paced DIY Tools

The Gottman Relationship Coach video tutorials are fantastic tools to supplement your couples therapy. Or, they can be used as a self paced DIY method for improving your relationship. For couples who work with Craig Tucker, LCSW and complete the Love Lab or and Intensive Marathon session, we provide the full package of Gottman Relationship Coach.

The Gottman Card-decks App: fun easy tools to increase communication

The Gottman Card-decks App is highly recommended for every couple.  We often use the card decks in sessions with couples. Also, they are great ways to start conversations that are fun and relationship building.  In addition, the card-decks are also integral to the Gottman Art and Science of Love workshops for couples.  The card-decks are available for free on both Android and iPhone:

Gottman Card-decks for iPhone

Gottman Card-decks for Android

The Gottman Marriage Minute: Relationship Tools by Email

The Gottman Marriage Minute is a fantastic regular reminder of the principles taught in the Gottman Method.  Please subscribe to this free email newsletter from The Gottman Institute at the following link:

Gottman Marriage Minute

Some Useful Books for Couples to Read Together

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert

The Man’s Guide to Women: Scientifically Proven Secrets from the Love Lab Abfout What Women Really Want

Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life

Not Just Friends: Rebuilding Trust and Recovering Your Sanity After Infidelity

What Makes Love Last?: How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal

OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing–EMDR

I am a fully certified EMDR therapist.  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized technique for addressing disturbing memories or fearful thoughts. EMDR is evidence based and is one of the most effective techniques for out-patient treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating performance related fears and other anxiety that has come from lesser but still debilitating life experiences. The following or links for more information:

EMDR International Association

EMDR Institute, Inc.

The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR Institute are professional associations where EMDR practitioners and EMDR researchers seek the highest standards for the clinical use of EMDR. Since 2004 the American Psychiatric Association has identified EMDR in their Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR is an accepted psychotherapy by leading mental health organizations throughout the world for the treatment of a variety of symptoms and conditions. These websites provide information to the greater EMDR community including clinicians, researchers, and the public that EMDRIA members serve.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

I am also a Quality Rated CPT provider.  CPT is a cognitive behavioral approach to treating PTSD and is also a top tier American Psychiatric Association recommended approach for treating PTSD.  I prefer providing CPT in a group format.  What I love about CPT is the community that develops out of the group members supporting each other and sharing their experiences. The CPT group is the most effective approach I know to remove the isolation that so many victims of trauma tend to feel.  You can learn more about Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD at this link:

CPT for PTSD

CPT for PTSD is the global authority for training and certifying Cognitive Processing Therapy providers. Endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, it’s recognized as a best practice for treating PTSD.

National Association of Social Workers

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

National Association of Social Workers