Navigating relationship issues can be incredibly hard, filled with uncertainty, pain and complexity. I see couples therapy as offering a way through this difficulty, as well as an important opportunity for individual and relational growth. Much like the positives that can come from stepping out of our comfort zone in our individual lives, daring to take risks in our relationships can also bring a new energy and aliveness, repair injuries and foster deeper understanding.

I work primarily from a model of couples therapy called The Developmental Model, created by Dr Ellyn Bader and Dr Peter Pearson. This approach centres on the idea that all relationships go through a normal and predictable set of developmental stages. Couples get stuck at points in this development and as a result are challenged to grow certain capacities. 

What I most appreciate about this approach is that it builds on people's strengths. My role is to help you identify and change the things that are not working, and drawing from neuroscience, attachment and differentiation skills, I coach you towards developing alternative ways of relating. Through extending one’s skills I see people grow in confidence in themselves as well as connection to their partners. 

Areas I can help with: 

Improve communication

Enhance intimacy and connection

Repair work following infidelity

Desire discrepancy issues

Enhancing sexual connection

Change problematic relational patterns

Cultivate healthy relating

What to expect:

The first few sessions involve me asking a lot of questions about your relationship, its history, your individual backgrounds and current functioning, and importantly - where you each would like to go, what kind of relationship you want to create, and what kind of partner you want to be. I aim to understand what patterns have developed between you, and to get clear on what skills and areas of growth are required to move forward in a meaningful way. While there is a lot of me listening, there will also be a lot of me interrupting and coaching around speaking up, listening to understand, tolerating discomfort, and learning more effective responses.

Pricing

Couples sessions are 90 minutes.

The cost per session is $360 including GST.