Elaine Korngold, LPC, is one of the select group of therapists worldwide authorized to offer the Gottman Love Lab to her couples, a ground-breaking assessment tool that replicates the research methodology of Dr. John Gottman from his original “Love Lab”. What sets Gottman Method Couples Therapy apart from other types of couples counseling is its in-depth assessment process. Gottman Method teaches the therapist to take time at the outset of therapy to fully understand the issues each couple is facing. Rather than limping along in weekly therapy with no aim or direction, Gottman Method assessment can target treatment exercises for each couple’s unique needs.
Original Gottman “Love Lab”
In his original research, Dr. John Gottman videotaped couples spending a day in an apartment in Seattle. By carefully analyzing the videotapes, he was able to study facial expressions, chosen words and other couples interactions. Additionally, he studied physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and skin conductivity. This rigorous research found that different patterns were present in couples who struggle vs. those who stayed together in long term, stable relationships. For example, by studying the degree of positivity and negativity in couples conflict discussions, he found that successful couples have a magic ratio of 5:1 — five positive interactions for every one negative interaction. Gottman’s mathematical models for the science of love relationships remain unparalleled.
Enhanced Gottman Relationship Checkup
In the new Gottman Love Lab experience, the couple starts by completing a confidential and HIPAA-compliant clinical questionnaire “Enhanced Gottman Relationship Checkup”. This checkup consists of questions about friendship, intimacy, how well the partners know each other, how they manage emotions in conflict, their shared values and goals, and what gives them meaning.
Love Lab Video Evaluation
The couple then engages in a video evaluation and a rating process to explore the relationship using a scientific “X-ray” process that does a deeper dive into a couple’s functioning. State-of-the-art technology uses the same methodology that Dr. Gottman did in his original research. These videotapes can be done in the comfort and privacy of the couple’s home and uploaded to the portal, or they can be created in a therapy session with the therapist. The couple records and uploads two short videos:
- “Events” conversation
- “Conflict” conversation
After creating the videos, each partner then watches them individually and rates how they felt about their interaction at the time of the recording using the “Rating Dial.” Together with an analysis of the videos, this information is used to provide specific feedback on couple’s emotions and conflict styles.
Assessment Results
State-of-the-art analysis of all the findings produces a more refined treatment plan for therapy. The report yields information such as:
- The degree of positivity or negativity in the relationship and its impact on friendship and intimacy;
- If the couple can repair conflicts or if they are stuck in power struggles;
- If couple’s repair attempts are effective or failing;
- The impact of negativity from betrayals in the relationship;
- How the ratio of positivity to negativity affects conflict discussions; and
- Prediction of how positivity or negativity will affect the future of the relationship.
The results provide the couple and the therapist with invaluable clinical information. This includes pinpointing couple’s strengths and challenges, suggesting research-based therapeutic exercises, accessing the strength of the couple’s bond, the impact of positivity and negativity on conflict, friendship, intimacy and the stability of the relationship overall.
Here are some examples of the questions answered in the results using clear charts and bar graphs:
- How stuck are you in a negative emotional state in your relationship?
- How effective is your startup when you are making a request? Does it get you the results you are hoping for?
- What is the overall positive-to-negative ratio in your relationship interactions?
- What are the emotional differences in your partner and yourself?
Couples will receive a report explaining the findings from the assessment, as well as a detailed explanation and treatment plan from their therapist. The results of the “Enhanced Gottman Relationship Checkup” questionnaire, the analysis of the two videos with the results of the “Rating Dial,” and the completion of a checklist by the therapist are all combined to produce a “Couple’s Report.” The therapist shares and reviews the “Couple’s Report” with the couple in their feedback session.
Love Lab Relationship Analysis with Elaine Korngold
I completed extensive post-graduate training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Levels 1, 2, and 3, ‘Treating Affairs and Trauma’, and ‘Treating Couples in Addiction Recovery’. I engage with a Senior Gottman Method trainer in a monthly consultation group to review cases and continue learning. I am one of the select group of clinicians authorized to share the Gottman Love Lab tools with my clients. My experience and other trainings are described here.
Please contact me if you would like to enrich your monogamous relationship. Both partners need to be available for our consultation. Gottman Method assessment is a good way to start evaluating where you are at as a couple today and what is needed for you to meet your relationship hopes.