Gottman-Method Couples Therapy
Dr. Greg Matos, Psy.D., ABPP
Couples Psychologist
Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology
For high-performing individuals and couples who are stuck in conflict and need a clear path forward.
No endless therapy. No guesswork. Structured, results-driven guidance.
What Is Gottman-Method Couples Therapy?
The Gottman Method is one of strongest evidence-based approaches to couples therapy that helps partners better understand the patterns affecting their relationship and build practical skills for communication, conflict, trust, and emotional connection.
Rather than simply talking about the same problems week after week, we identify the specific patterns keeping you stuck and work systematically toward meaningful change.
Does this sound familiar?
Conversations turn into the same unresolved arguments
Trust, connection, or respect has eroded
You’re questioning whether to stay or leave—but feel stuck
The idea of escalation feels premature… but doing nothing isn’t working
You don’t need more time in confusion.
You need clarity, direction, and a plan.
Get Unstuck—Quickly
This is a short-term, structured process designed to help you:
Break destructive communication cycles immediately
Make aligned, confident decisions about your future
Clarity replaces chaos.
Couples Therapy With A Clearer Structure
Many couples come to therapy after spending months—or years—having the same conversations without meaningful change. My approach is structured, direct, and focused on helping you understand what's happening and what to do next.
This work is different.
Time-bound and outcome-oriented
Focused on actionable steps and measurable behaviors
Designed for people who value efficiency and truth
You will not stay stuck here.
How It Works
1. Comprehensive Relationship Assessment
Joint Session: We assess relationship development, identify patterns, and evaluate communication skills.
Individual Sessions: We explore each partner’s individual experience in the relationship, personal developmental history, mental health, and past relationships.
Gottman Relationship Checkup: Couples complete empirically validated self-report measures of their relationship health and functioning online.
Feedback: Couples receive an extensive feedback session that integrates data from interviews and objective measures to identify strengths, relative weaknesses, and a concrete plan to address pain points.
2. Structured Intervention
A focused series of sessions to:
Interrupt destructive cycles
Build (or test) relational capacity
Practice new communication strategies, develop new rituals of emotional connection, and bolster fondness and admiration while clarifying core needs and engaging in any necessary compromise.
3. Decision & Direction
You leave with:
A clear path forward
Tools to execute that path
This Is For You If:
You’re successful in other areas of life—but your relationship feels stuck
You want clarity, not endless discussion
You’re open to direct, honest feedback
You’re ready to build momentum in your relationship and committed to change
Education, Credentials, & Training
Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology
Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Couples & Family Psychology
Advanced Gottman-Method Couples Therapy training
12+ years of clinical experience in the U.S. Navy, Veterans Administration (VA), UCLA, and private practice.
Past Board Member of the American Academy of Couples Psychology
What Problems Can Couples Therapy Help With?
Communication Problems and Repeated Arguments
Couples therapy can help partners identify the patterns underneath recurring arguments and develop more effective ways of discussing difficult issues.
Emotional Distance
Some couples stop fighting but also stop feeling connected. Therapy can help identify what has contributed to emotional distance and create opportunities to rebuild connection.
Infidelity and Betrayal
After infidelity or another significant breach of trust, couples often need a structured process for understanding what happened, addressing the injury, and determining whether trust can be rebuilt.
Major Relationship Decisions
Some couples seek help because they are uncertain whether to stay together. A structured assessment process can help clarify the strengths, challenges, and realistic options facing the relationship.
Differences in Parenting, Money, or Priorities
Even strong relationships can become strained when partners have different expectations about major life decisions.
Working with Dr. Matos
Clients Report:
Communicating more openly without conversations escalating into arguments.
Feeling more understood, heard, and emotionally connected to their partner.
Recognizing and changing the negative patterns that repeatedly create conflict.
Learning practical tools for managing disagreements more effectively.
Developing a deeper understanding of their own attachment needs and relationship patterns.
Rebuilding trust and connection after betrayal, infidelity, or significant relationship injuries.
Feeling more confident discussing difficult topics without avoiding them or becoming defensive.
Experiencing greater emotional and physical intimacy in the relationship.
Having more clarity about the future of the relationship and the path forward.
Feeling better equipped to handle future challenges together as a team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gottman-Method Couples Therapy work?
Couples learn how to leverage best practices from 50+ years of research into the strongest relationships and what actually works for better conflict management, emotional connection, and much more. Couples practice new ways of communicating in session with active coaching from Dr. Matos, leaving each partner feeling heard and validated. They develop new rituals of emotional connection in their life, repair any unaddressed ruptures in their relationship, and get on the same page with their dreams and aspirations.
Do both partners need to attend every session?
Yes. After the assessment process, every session involves both partners.
How long does couples therapy typically last?
Couples typically generate the most amount of momentum and change in the first 3-6 months of work with Dr. Matos. Weekly sessions fade to bi-monthly as gridlock typically dissolves and emotional connection increases. Less frequent follow-up up to a year is often beneficial to sustaining gains.
What happens during the free consultation?
Couples share the specific challenges that they’re currently facing as well as their goals and hope for therapy. Clients get to learn more about Dr. Matos, his approach to the work, and ask any questions that will help establish if it’s a good fit.
Do you offer in-person and telehealth appointments?
Dr. Matos has limited availability for private pay clients who would prefer to be seen in-person. Telehealth sessions are available for clients living anywhere in California.
Do you work with couples considering separation?
Yes. Couples who are considering separation are strongly encouraged to complete a relationship assessment and receive a clear plan about what can be done to address the concerns they have.
Book Your Private Consultation
If you’re at a breaking point, this is where you get clear.