What is the first step in Gottman's individual sessions for marital assessment?

• A. Determine financial status
• B. Identify personality disorders
• C. Assess compatibility with in-laws
• D. Assess commitment to marriage

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that readiness and willingness to invest in the relationship comes first. In Gottman’s approach to individual sessions for marital assessment, the therapist begins by assessing each partner’s commitment to the marriage. This matters because commitment signals motivation to engage in therapy, tolerate difficult conversations, and work on change. If a partner isn’t truly committed, the chances of constructive progress drop, and the plan for assessment and intervention needs to be adjusted accordingly. Establishing commitment also helps the therapist gauge how to frame goals, determine the appropriate next steps, and decide how best to proceed with joint or separate work. Other issues like financial status, personality concerns, or in-law dynamics may be explored later, but they’re not the foundational step that sets the therapy in motion.