Gottman Techniques
This “Horseman” involves attacking your partner’s character rather than addressing behavior
What is criticism
This symbol is used to represent a male in a genogram
What is a square?
These types of statements highlight and affirm the client’s efforts, strengths, and progress to build confidence.
What are compliments and validation?
Separating the person from the problem by treating the problem as something outside of them.
What is externalizing the problem?
EFT was developed by this Canadian psychologist.
Who is Sue Johnson?
Gottman calls these four toxic communication patterns “The Four” of what?
What are the Four Horsemen?
A genogram often covers at least this many generations
What are three generations?
This type of question asks the client to imagine how life would look if a miracle happened and the problem was suddenly solved.
What is the miracle question?
Breaking down the dominant problem story to find areas that have been overlooked or simplified
What is deconstructing problem stories?
EFT is based on this psychological theory of relationships.
What is attachment theory?
John Gottman is best known for his ability to predict this outcome in couples.
What is divorce?
A zig-zag line between two people usually means this.
What is conflict?
This type of question asks clients to rate their experience, feelings, or progress on a scale (usually 0 to 10) to encourage small, measurable steps forward
What are scaling questions?
Helping the client build a new story that focuses on their strengths, values, and hopes.
What is re-authoring conversations?
The opposite of withdrawing or attacking is creating this kind of bond.
What is secure attachment?
Gottman teaches that this is the “currency of connection.”
What is attention?
A dashed line often represents this kind of bond.
What is a weak or distant relationship?
This type of question explores times when the problem was less severe or absent, to identify strengths and strategies that already work
What are exception questions?
Looking for moments that do not fit the problem story, highlighting times when the client acted differently than expected.
What are unique moments?
A key EFT move is helping partners recognize and interrupt these cycles.
What are negative interaction cycles?
Gottman’s research shows relationships thrive when partners express this simple thing often.
What is gratitude?
In therapy, a genogram can help uncover this “invisible” force shaping present issues.
What is intergenerational trauma?
This type of question acknowledges the client's resilience and ability to survive even when things are difficult.
What are coping questions?
This law states opposites exist, and understanding both sides of a situation is crucial for balance and growth
What is law of polarity?
This attachment style often results from inconsistent caregiving.
What is anxious attachment?