Gottman Method Couples Therapy in Charlotte, NC
In person in SouthPark · Online across NC and SC · Gottman and EFT trained
Understanding the patterns that keep you stuck, so you can begin finding your way back to each other.
Gottman Method couples therapy in Charlotte is couples counseling built on Drs. John and Julie Gottman's research into how couples argue and repair. I'm Courtenay Monfore, LCMHC, and I offer it in SouthPark and online across NC and SC, for couples who still care about each other but keep getting stuck.
At Courtenay Monfore Therapy, I can help you get “unstuck” in your relationship so you can truly find each other again.
Do you miss the closeness, ease, and excitement you once shared?
Maybe you've noticed that conversations seem to turn into arguments more easily, or that you've gradually stopped talking about the things that really matter.
You might feel lonely or disconnected, even though you're spending plenty of time together.
And despite your efforts to make things better, you keep finding yourselves in the same frustrating patterns.
You still care about each other, but you're not quite sure how to get back to feeling close again.
What is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. According to The Gottman Institute, it comes from more than 40 years of research with over 3,000 couples. It focuses on three things: your friendship, how you handle conflict, and what you're building together.
The Gottman Method helps couples better understand the patterns that develop in their relationship and gives them practical tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen their connection.
Why Couples Get Stuck in the Same Arguments
Many couples are surprised to learn that not every disagreement in a relationship can be fully resolved. According to Gottman research, approximately 69% of relationship conflicts are ongoing, often stemming from differences in personality, needs, or values.
The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate every disagreement, but to learn how to talk about those differences in ways that don't leave either partner feeling hurt, dismissed, or disconnected.
The Gottman Method also identifies four communication patterns that can be particularly damaging to relationships: criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling (shutting down or withdrawing).
In therapy, we work on recognizing these patterns as they happen and finding different ways to respond to each other.
How I Use the Gottman Method in Sessions
You'll likely notice that I help you slow down difficult conversations, recognize recurring patterns, and understand what's happening emotionally for both of you. You'll leave with practical tools you can use at home.
I also try to help couples identify what is working in their relationship, not just what's going wrong.
Gottman and EFT Together
I find that the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) complement each other well. Gottman offers practical tools for improving communication and navigating conflict, while EFT helps couples better understand the emotions and needs underneath those interactions.
Together, they combine practical relationship skills with a deeper understanding of each partner's emotional experience.
What to Expect When We Begin
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A free 15-minute consultation.
We'll talk briefly about what's bringing you to therapy and whether working together feels like a good fit.
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Our first session together.
I'll hear from both of you about your relationship, the challenges you're experiencing, and what you'd like to be different.
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Individual sessions.
I typically meet with each partner individually to better understand their experiences and perspectives.
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Returning to couples work.
We'll begin looking more closely at the patterns between you and how we can start changing them.
This is generally how I begin, although I may adjust the process depending on your relationship and what feels most helpful. There's no fixed number of sessions, and we'll talk together about the pace of our work.
Your Relationship Can Feel Good Again
When you've been stuck in the same patterns for a long time, it can be difficult to imagine things feeling different.
But relationships can change when both partners begin to better understand what's happening between them and learn new ways of responding to each other.
Couples counseling creates space to slow things down, have conversations that may have felt difficult or impossible at home, and begin rebuilding a sense of connection.
The goal isn't to have a relationship without disagreements. It's to feel more understood, more connected, and better able to work through challenges together.
I offer in-person couples counseling in Charlotte, NC, or virtual counseling throughout NC and SC, to help you find your way forward, together.
If you're ready to start working on your relationship, I'm here to help.
Click below to schedule a consultation, or call or text me directly at 704-741-2082.
Hi, I’m Courtenay!
I work with couples who care about each other but have found themselves stuck in patterns that are difficult to change on their own.
I know how frustrating it can be when conversations keep going in circles or when you feel like you're no longer reaching each other.
My style is warm, conversational, curious, and direct when needed. I'm much more interested in understanding the dynamic between you than in assigning blame.
I want both partners to feel heard and understood, while also helping you recognize the ways you may each be contributing to the patterns that keep you stuck.
If you're considering couples counseling, I'd welcome the opportunity to talk with you and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
What Makes My Practice Different
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In-Person Or Online Therapy
I offer in-person therapy at my SouthPark office and online counseling for all of NC and SC, so you can get therapy the way you want it.
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Gottman & EFT Together
I combine practical tools for communication and conflict with a deeper understanding of what each of you is feeling.
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Free Initial 15-Minute Consultation
When you reach out, I'll typically respond within one business day. We can schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, answer your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
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Looking Beyond the Latest Argument
I work on the patterns that keep you stuck, not only the most recent fight.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, trained in both the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Relationship Challenges I Help Couples Navigate
Communication issues · Recurring arguments · Lack of intimacy · Parenting problems · Blended families · LGBTQ couples · Neurodivergent counseling · Family therapy · Infidelity and betrayal
Common Questions About Gottman Couples Therapy in Charlotte
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It can help couples at almost any stage. You don't need to be in crisis. Many couples come in because they feel distant or keep having the same argument.
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You don't need to read a book or learn any terms. It helps to think about what you'd like to be different, but you don't have to have it figured out.
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Yes, anywhere in North Carolina and South Carolina, through a secure telehealth platform.
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Many couples try to work through their difficulties on their own before considering counseling. But when you're caught in the same patterns, it can be difficult to recognize what's happening or find a different way forward. Couples therapy offers an opportunity to slow things down, understand those patterns, and begin approaching each other differently.
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Between work, parenting, and everyday responsibilities, finding time for couples counseling can feel challenging. But ongoing relationship stress can also take up a lot of time and emotional energy. Making space to work on your relationship can be a meaningful investment in how you feel together and how you navigate the rest of your lives.
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You can't force your partner to attend counseling, but that doesn't mean you can't begin exploring what's happening in your relationship. Individual therapy can help you understand your own experiences and explore changes you can make, even if your partner isn't ready to participate.
Reach out to me below, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Gottman Couples Therapy in SouthPark, Charlotte
My office is at 6302 Fairview Road, Suite 310, in SouthPark. It's quiet and private, with natural light and a separate lobby. Online sessions are available anywhere in NC and SC.
Rates & FAQ
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My rate is $225 per session. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
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I am a private-pay, out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible reimbursement.
If you would still like to use your insurance, then you can potentially do so if your insurance plan has “Out-Of-Network” benefits. The way that would work is, you would pay for therapy at the time of the session, and then I will provide you with a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
I would recommend calling your insurance company to confirm if your insurance policy has OON benefits for mental health services.
Otherwise you can choose to see me privately and not involve your insurance at all. See why many of my clients choose this option below.
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When I'm not working with clients, you'll find me catching up on a NYT article, coaxing my family to take a trail walk with me, attempting a new recipe in the kitchen or squeezing in time with friends. I am also a podcast junkie, a mango lover, wanna-be plant lady, a cheating vegan and an old soul.
How To Get Started
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Schedule a Call
Simply click below to schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation call with me.
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Free Consultation
I’ll call at a time that suits you and learn more about you and your unique situation.
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Let’s meet! If it sounds like we are a good fit, then I’ll invite you to have your first intake session and start on your journey!
Feel Better
This is your time to experience your relationship differently