Helping couples overcome the four horsemen as described by Gottman

I’ve seen a few patients in the last week fallen trap to the ”Four Horsemen” in their relationship as described by Gottman. This is common for many couples. 

1. Being overly critical of one another

2. Being overly defensive with one another

3. Being contemptuous with one another

4. Stonewalling each other

This is like the “high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking” for heart disease. 

The good news is, one can change these factors to improve one’s relationship and one’s psychosocial health.