Our Relationship Timeline
A narrative couples worksheet mapping relationship history by year, event, valence and impact, with shared reflections.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Narrative couples work
- Approach / concern
- Couples & Relationships
- Technique
- Narrative couples work
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Advanced plan
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Our Relationship Timeline?
Relationship history taking reveals attachment injuries, strengths and patterns. Gottman’s oral history interview shows how couples tell their story predicts outcomes.
Why it works
Gottman (1999) describes the oral history interview as part of couples assessment. Attachment injuries and turning points are explored in EFT (Johnson, 2019).
When to use it
- Couples assessment
- Premarital counselling
- Anniversaries and milestones
- After a crisis
How to use it in session
- Each partner lists key events.
- Merge timelines.
- Rate highs and lows.
- Discuss impacts.
- Reflect together.
Clinician tips
- Notice different memories without arguing.
- Identify attachment injuries.
- Highlight resilience.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if we remember things differently?
That’s normal and useful; explore it with curiosity.
Is this only for long relationships?
No. Even short relationships have meaningful turning points.
References
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. W. W. Norton.
Johnson, S. M. (2019). Attachment theory in practice: Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) with individuals, couples, and families. Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
