Most often, the purpose of couples therapy is to explore the challenges and negative cycles in the relationship that prevent a secure, intimate connection.   Often, there have been what I call ‘relationship injuries’ that require exploration and resolution for both partners.

Together, we can explore the experiences that led to disconnection or the breakdown of the relationship in order to resolve the issues and work toward healing and reconnection.   In other cases, we may be working together to discern the viability of the relationship going forward.

I have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as Level 1 and 2 training in the Gottman Method.  Both are well researched, evidence based approaches to couples counselling.

Emotionally Focused Therapy:  Is a result of the research and work of Canadian psychologist, Dr Susan Johnson.  Her work has revolutionized the way couples’ therapy has been approached in the past two decades.  Based on sound research on attachment theory together with research on how intimate partnerships actually work, EFT therapy works to first de-escalate and then identify the negative cycles of disconnection in which many couples feel trapped.  Then, couples can work toward reconnection and better communication.  This is a relatively short term therapy of approximately 8-20 sessions.

The Gottman Method:   John and Julie Gottman have also done extensive research in the area of intimate partnerships to develop a very effective and targeted approach to couples’ work.  The Gottman Method offers an extensive ‘Relationship Check-up’ and then targeted strategies to address your unique relationship challenges.

You can read more about these two approaches here:

EFT:  http://www.iceeft.com/index.php/about-us/what-is-eft

Gottman Method: https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/