Couple Therapy

Common Issues Addressed in Therapy:

• Communication Challenges: Many couples struggle with communication issues, such as misunderstandings or difficulty expressing emotions. In therapy, I focus on improving communication skills, active listening, and fostering open dialogue.

• Conflict Resolution: Conflict is a natural part of relationships, but how couples manage conflicts can significantly impact their connection. I help couples develop healthy conflict resolution strategies and manage emotional reactivity.

• Intimacy and Connection: Building and maintaining intimacy is crucial for a thriving relationship. My therapy sessions explore ways to deepen emotional bonds, build trust, and enhance intimacy through vulnerability and empathy.

• Infidelity: Dealing with infidelity can be one of the most challenging issues couples face. In therapy, I provide a safe space for couples to explore the impact of infidelity, rebuild trust, and work towards healing and reconciliation.

• Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as becoming parents or career shifts, can strain relationships. I assist couples in navigating these transitions, adjusting to new roles, and maintaining a strong connection throughout.

The Developmental Model

The Developmental Model of couple therapy, developed by Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson, provides a framework for understanding how relationships evolve through different stages, each with its own challenges and opportunities for growth. Here are short descriptions of the different stages:

1. Romance Stage:

   • In this stage, couples experience intense attraction, passion, and idealization of each other.

   • The focus is on building a strong connection, exploring similarities, and enjoying the excitement of the new relationship.

   • Challenges may include idealizing the partner, avoiding conflicts, and adjusting to differences as the relationship progresses.

2. Power Struggle Stage:

   • As the initial excitement wanes, couples enter a phase marked by conflicts, disagreements, and power struggles.

   • Differences in values, expectations, and communication styles often become more apparent during this stage.

   • The goal is to navigate conflicts constructively, learn effective communication skills, and address underlying issues rather than avoiding them.

3. Stability Stage:

   • In this stage, couples achieve a sense of stability and acceptance of each other's differences.

   • Conflict resolution improves, and couples develop a deeper understanding of their relationship dynamics.

   • The focus shifts towards maintaining connection, fostering intimacy, and building a shared vision for the future.

4. Commitment Stage:

   • The commitment stage is characterised by a strong bond, trust, and mutual support between partners.

   • Couples feel secure in their relationship and are committed to working through challenges together.

   • The emphasis is on continued growth, maintaining a healthy balance between individuality and togetherness, and sustaining long-term intimacy.

Each stage of the Developmental Model presents its own set of tasks and challenges that couples must navigate to strengthen their relationship and achieve a deeper level of connection and fulfillment. Therapists using this model tailor interventions and strategies to help couples progress through these stages effectively.

What to Expect in Therapy:

• Assessment: We start with a comprehensive assessment of your relationship dynamics, strengths, challenges, and therapy goals.

• Therapeutic Process: Therapy sessions involve structured exercises, discussions, and interventions tailored to your specific needs and goals.

• Skill Building: I focus on developing essential relationship skills, including effective communication, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and intimacy building.

• Support and Guidance: I provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore emotions, gain insights, and work towards positive changes in your relationship.

• Homework and Practice: Between sessions, you'll have homework assignments and practices to reinforce learning and apply new skills in real-life situations.

Get Started Today

If you're ready to strengthen your relationship and embark on a journey of growth and healing, I invite you to contact me to schedule an initial consultation. I'm here to support you every step of the way towards a happier, healthier relationship.