Couples Therapy
I believe that relationships are meant to be practiced—not perfected.
That means couples therapy isn’t about fixing each other; it’s about learning new moves, trying them out, and discovering how to stay connected even when things get hard.
I use a blend of two powerful, research-based approaches: Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Relational Life Therapy. I’m the only couples therapist in the world certified in both, and I draw from each method to offer a customized, practical, and compassionate experience for each couple I work with.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is grounded in decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. It provides concrete tools to strengthen communication, increase intimacy, manage conflict, and build shared meaning. You may recognize concepts like the Four Horsemen, Love Maps, or the Sound Relationship House—all part of the Gottman toolkit.
I’ve been working with the Gottman Method for over 15 years and continue to train other therapists in its principles and practice. I also collaborate regularly with the Gottman Institute and contribute to their ongoing work through speaking, writing, and training.
Relational Life Therapy
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a bold, honest, and deeply transformative approach created by Terry Real. RLT helps couples cut through stuck patterns with clarity and compassion. It’s direct and powerful—focusing on relational accountability, emotional truth-telling, and the rebalancing of power and care in relationships.
RLT goes beyond communication skills and invites both partners to grow up, show up, and fight for the relationship they really want. I use RLT especially when couples are navigating betrayal, power struggles, or long-standing disconnection—and when they’re ready for a no-nonsense approach that leads to lasting change.
My Approach
Gottman and RLT complement each other beautifully. One is deeply structured and research-based; the other is relationally fierce and emotionally honest. Together, they allow me to meet couples with the right blend of data and direction, warmth and challenge, insight and action.
Whether you’re in crisis or simply looking to improve your connection, therapy with me is about getting curious, trying new things, and making your relationship a place of practice—not perfection.
- Transition to “Next” Therapy:
There are a few obvious “nexts” in a relationship (i.e. Marriage/Parenthood/Empty Nest) but most next are unknown. All you know is that you want to get from here to there because here feels gross and there can be better. When couples recognize and choose to be proactive about their transitions, they can avoid a lot of pain down the road. I work to help couples accept, adapt to, and become accountable for both the before and after of their next reality. - Brink Therapy:
I consider it a privilege working with couples who are coming to therapy as a last resort. It usually means that the current version of the relationship has run its course and it’s time for a major overhaul. When couples are committed to this work, it can be extremely rewarding – though not without its challenges. I look forward to helping you define and pursue the new relationship you desire and deserve. - Intensives/Marathons:
I have found that the Intensive (or Marathon) Sessions are a great way to begin couples therapy and/or to amplify and accelerate current work. It’s also effective for partners in crisis who don’t have time for ongoing therapy. Couples Intensives are a focused, condensed form of counseling that occurs over a period of 2-3 consecutive days, usually a (Fri evening – Sun afternoon). Couples Weekend Intensives allow couples to dive deeply into their issues without the frustration of the “start and stop” feeling of weekly sessions.
A few additional options:
- Customized Coaching Packages:
A customized short-term engagement can work best for couples who desire maximum flexibility or who can’t (or don’t want to) commit to a typical therapy process. It can also be a great option for couples who want to tackle a specific problem. Areas of focus then to include, understanding conflict, communicating clearly, establishing clear values and priorities, and enhancing intimacy. - ASAPs:
If you are a new couple who needs or wants to get in front of a therapist as soon as possible, I will do my best to accommodate you within 48 hours. (ASAP sessions are billed at a premium rate.) - Individual Therapy:
While my practice is primarily focused on couples therapy, I have limited availability for individual sessions. I may be especially helpful when the “presenting problem” is directly connected to your relationship.
Contact/Location
Call or text
206.779.4667
Email
zach@zachbrittle.com
Office
6869 Woodlawn Ave NE
Suite 203
Seattle, WA 98115