couples(+) counselling
a time dedicated to you - to practice being with your beloved(s).
Drawing on my training in the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) and the Gottman Method, my couples therapy sessions are uniquely designed to deepen the connection and understanding between partners. These methodologies recognize the complex interplay between two individuals' psychological and biological experiences and the research-based principles that can predict relationship success. This dual expertise forms the cornerstone of our collaborative effort as we delve into your relationship's emotional and interactive dynamics, guided by the collective wisdom and the emotional landscapes both partners bring into the therapeutic space.
As your therapist, I am dedicated to facilitating a process where you can uncover and articulate the often unspoken narratives underlying your interactions. This exploration, informed by the PACT focus on real-time, physiological responses to relational dynamics, and the Gottman Method's emphasis on communication, conflict resolution, and building a shared life, is vital for empowering you both to address and navigate the complexities and conflicts that have led you to seek couples therapy.
In this therapeutic environment, you and your partner will be encouraged to break free from recurring, harmful patterns and relational dynamics. This is achieved by fostering a deeper engagement with each other's emotional and physical experiences, with keen attention to how these are intertwined with your biological reactions and shaped by proven relational principles. When left unexamined, the unconscious “shadow” material within each individual's body and psyche can dictate the relationship's direction. By connecting with and understanding these aspects of yourselves, informed by the PACT and Gottman methods, you can prevent past patterns of pain from repeating in your relationship.
The foundation of adult trust is not "You will never hurt me."
It is "I trust myself with whatever you do.”
David Richo
Your sessions are meticulously designed to balance revealing these unconscious narratives and integrating the insights gained into a renewed understanding of your relationship, fostering transformation and growth. This process is enriched by the strategies and insights from PACT and the Gottman Method, which provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving your relationship. Grounded in a client-centred, mindfulness-based, and inclusive approach, our therapeutic journey is further enhanced by integrating principles of relational and somatic psychology, supported by contemporary insights from fields like interpersonal neurobiology. This ensures that our work together is anchored in the foundational principles of relational dynamics and enriched with modern practices and perspectives in couples therapy, offering a holistic path toward a stronger, more resilient partnership.