Reconnecting Hearts: How a Gottman Couples Therapist Can Help Your Relationship Thrive
Considering a Gottman Couples Therapist for your relationship? I'm glad you’re here.
Taking a step toward strengthening your relationship is such a brave and loving thing to do. I want you to know you’re not alone in this journey.
I’m Virginia Purcell. I have extensive training as a couples therapist and in particular in the Gottman Method.
I work with couples every day to help them reconnect, communicate better, and build stronger relationships.
Whether you’re feeling stuck in conflict, distant from your partner, or just longing to rekindle the spark, I’m here to help.
The Gottman Method was developed by John and Julie Gottman who are a married couple, but also researchers in how to make relationships last and feel close and fulfilling for years. The Gottmans themselves have been married for decades and seem to have a very close relationship themselves.
They both seem to really care about people and have devoted their lives to scientific research on couples, couples therapy and how to keep relationships intimate, fun, exciting and connected throughout all phases of life.
What is especially important is that the Gottman Method is based upon years of meticulous research and scientific study of real couples with follow up over many years on what really works in couples therapy.
Gottman Couples Therapist training is a rigorous program with several levels of study acquired through many hours of study and practicum. Candidates must have already completed Masters level education in counselling to participate in the post-graduate training program.
Personally, I enjoyed the Gottman Method training and the reassurance that the methods are all scientifically based. Plus, the Gottmans are a very cute couple themselves and are a joy to learn from!
A Gottman Couples Therapist Can Help Strengthen Your Relationship
Relationships can be beautiful, but they’re also complex, right?
Sometimes life just gets busy and you put your relationship on the back burner and just lose touch with one another.
Other times it's a big event that makes you realize you have drifted apart, or that there is a crisis in your relationship.
As a couples therapist who is trained to use the Gottman Method, I help couples:
Talk to Each Other in New Ways:
You’ll learn how to express your feelings and needs so you’re truly heard, without triggering defensiveness or shutting down.
Resolve Conflicts with Care:
All couples argue—it’s part of being human. What matters is how you handle those moments. We’ll work on ways to navigate disagreements so they bring you closer instead of pulling you apart.
Deepen Your Connection:
Over time, life’s busyness can leave us feeling distant from the person we love most. Together, we’ll work on bringing back that closeness, trust, and understanding.
Keep the Fun and Friendship Alive:
A strong relationship isn’t just about serious conversations—it’s about laughing together, building memories, and feeling like teammates in life.
Relationship Therapy for All Ages & All Types of Couples
Sometimes it seems like couples therapy is directed only at glamourous young couples - with all the photos of beaches and fit bodies and a very stereotypical life.
But couples therapy is for everyone, and a Gottman Couples Therapist in particular uses methods that have been successful with all types of couples - all shapes and sizes, hetero and LGBTQia2s, young and older couples.
Whether you’re navigating a tough patch, preparing for a big life change, or simply want to strengthen the foundation of your relationship, this is for you.
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from couples therapy. Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional steps that make the biggest difference.
What Does Working with a Gottman Couples Therapist Feel Like?
Every therapist who is trained in the Gottman Method knows that every couple is unique, but also that there are proven strategies that work to help couples get closer and build a solid respectful, connected relationship.
We start with creating a space where you and your partner feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether it's in my office location or online in your own home, we get comfortable first. You can relax and know that your needs, desires and longings will be understood.
There’s no judgment —just honest conversations, practical tools, and encouragement.
We’ll start by understanding where your relationship is now and what you both hope to achieve.
From there, we’ll use proven strategies that are tailored to your unique needs as a couple.
Every session is designed to help you leave with something actionable—steps you can take immediately to improve your connection.
