What Is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method was developed over more than 40 years of research with thousands of couples by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It is one of the few approaches to couples therapy with a substantial evidence base behind it — meaning the techniques aren't theoretical, they're tested.
The method works by helping couples identify the specific patterns that are eroding their relationship — what the Gottmans call the "Four Horsemen": criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — and replacing them with concrete skills for communication, conflict resolution, emotional attunement, and deeper friendship.
Gottman Method therapy is structured and practical. You won't just talk about your problems — you'll leave each session with something real to work with.
Meet Your Therapist: Erin Harkey, LMSW
Erin Harkey is ADAPT Network's couples therapy specialist, bringing a depth of training that goes well beyond a single modality. Her approach integrates:
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy — evidence-based relationship therapy for communication, conflict, trust, and connection
- Sport Performance Counseling — for athlete couples or partners navigating the unique pressures of competitive sport, performance identity, and high-achievement lifestyles
- Adult ADHD — for couples where ADHD is a dynamic in the relationship, affecting communication, responsibility-sharing, emotional regulation, and connection
This breadth of training means Erin can meet your relationship where it actually is — not just where it looks on the surface.
Erin sees couples in person at ADAPT Network's Columbus, GA office and via telehealth throughout Georgia.
Who Is Couples Therapy For?
Couples therapy at ADAPT Network is for any two people committed to doing the work — regardless of relationship structure, background, or how long they've been together. Erin works with:
- Partners feeling more like roommates than a couple
- Couples stuck in recurring arguments that never fully resolve
- Relationships rebuilding after infidelity, betrayal, or a major breach of trust
- Newlyweds and engaged couples who want a strong foundation before problems arise
- Military couples navigating deployment, reintegration, or relocation stress
- Couples where ADHD is creating friction around communication or shared responsibilities
- Partners where ADHD is creating friction around communication or shared responsibilities
- High-achieving or athlete couples managing performance pressure alongside relationship health
- Couples facing a major life transition — new baby, career change, loss, illness, or relocation
Couples Therapy and LENS Neurofeedback: An Integrated Option
For some couples, the barrier to connection isn't just communication — it's nervous system dysregulation. When one or both partners are chronically stressed, hypervigilant, or emotionally flooded, even the best communication skills can be hard to access in the moment.
ADAPT Network is one of the few practices in Columbus, GA that can offer couples therapy alongside LENS Neurofeedback in the same setting. For couples who feel stuck despite genuine effort, adding LENS to support nervous system regulation can open up new capacity for the relational work Erin is doing in session.
This isn't required — and it isn't right for every couple. But it's an option that sets ADAPT Network apart from any other couples therapy practice in the region.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
Erin begins with a thorough assessment to understand each partner's perspective, history, and goals. Both partners are heard individually and together. This gives Erin a clear clinical picture of what's happening in the relationship and what approach will be most effective.
Ongoing Sessions
Couples sessions are structured and skills-focused. Erin guides conversations with intention — not just letting conflict replay, but interrupting unhealthy patterns in real time and building new ones. Sessions are typically 50 minutes, with extended sessions available for couples in crisis or with demanding schedules.
Weekend Sessions
For couples who can't easily attend weekday appointments — including those navigating military schedules, travel demands, or shift work — weekend sessions are available. Contact Erin directly for availability and scheduling.
Telehealth
Couples therapy is available via secure telehealth for clients throughout Georgia. This is especially valuable for military couples, couples in rural areas, or partners with scheduling constraints that make in-person sessions difficult.