Couples Councelling
Decades of scientific research and well-documented clinical experience identify a key to health, wellbeing and even healing of our deepest emotional wounds: the quality of our attachment bonds. This key is held by our significant others
Relationship challenges often involve communication problems, leading to cycles of anger and withdrawal. Couples may feel misunderstood, lonely, or frustrated. Many seek therapy to improve their communication and relationship dynamics, finding it helpful to work with a neutral third party. Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage and help build a stronger connection.
My Approach - Emotionally Focused Therapy - EFT - How It Works
EFT differs from other couple therapies that are offered, for example those that teach communication skills. This model is based in attachment and bonding (like the attachment we felt and missed with our care-giving parents). It helps couples to build their relationship itself into a primary safe, secure, nurturing, comforting relationship, where we can get our needs met, and expand our sense of self.
Identify the Cycle and Change It
Most partners in a relationship may experience anger or withdrawal, but may have difficulty experiencing and sharing vulnerability, fear, abandonment or being overwhelmed. These primary emotions drive our old cycle behaviors.
I will create an atmosphere of safety and trust with each other, so that you as a couple may be able to share more vulnerably and practice listening empathetically to their partner. In time these new behaviors will be accepted and repeated, consolidated and integrated into your relationship.
Individual Counselling
Often individual presenting issues are impacted by relational wounds past or present. Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) addresses presenting issues such as depression, anxiety and trauma through an attachment lens. Being able to understand and experience these emotional needs allows us to reconnect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. EFIT can also be beneficial for individuals facing life transitions such as separation and divorce. The therapeutic relationship can offer a secure base to help process through these seasons of life.
Regardless of whether you come in by yourself, or as a couple my first goal is to create a safe place for you to explore how you are experiencing life and your relationships. I want to know where you get stuck and will work hard to gain understanding of how this plays out in your life.
