What does Gottman focus on?

Communication patterns and conflict management. His "4 Horsemen" predict divorce. His method teaches couples to soften startup, accept influence, repair, and compromise. It's tactical.

What does attachment theory focus on?

The emotional security system underlying conflict. An anxious person pursues because of abandonment fears. An avoidant person withdraws because of enmeshment fears. Therapy addresses the root wound, not just the communication.

Both. Gottman method teaches practical skills; attachment theory provides the "why." Ideally, couples therapy uses both: understand your attachment wounds (attachment theory) and develop tools to manage conflict (Gottman method).