Couples Therapy

As a fundamental element of human lives, relationships are a core part of almost everything we do. They can be wildly interesting, life-enriching experiences, while at other times a source of pain and challenging to navigate.

In my practice, I utilize the principles of PACT - Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy. PACT was developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin from the cutting edge research in the areas of neuroscience, attachment theory and the biology of human arousal or engagement of the senses and body. I have been practicing this model since it was introduced to me 6 years ago. I am an enthusiastic proponent of this method after witnessing many positive outcomes between couples who do this work. Whether engaging in individual or couples therapy, the tools offered by PACT are highly valuable. The focus of this model is to create secure functioning relationships within couples by working to:

• identify “who are we” as a couple, articulate and live a set of agreements

• build greater connection, creating the felt experience of “I’m on your side”

• expand empathy

• build and expand compassion

• reduce competition while cultivating a sense of “we are in this together”

• recognize their togetherness as well as separateness

• improve communication

I work with all types of couples in any phase of their relationship while providing an environment to help them grow together and individually. I help people to stay in or leave their relationships for the right reasons. My goal is to see my clients making these decisions while in-touch with their true selves and best interests.

Some couples decide on couples therapy as a “last resort,” wanting to believe they tried everything before parting ways. Although there is hopefulness in this circumstance, it is generally not an ideal place to begin therapy or to open lines of communication. For this reason I always encourage couples to seek counseling as early as possible.