Couples Therapy

As human beings we are born with an innate desire to form connections and relationships throughout life.

Most relationships begin when two people find a connection and come together as one through shared interests, beliefs or visions, this can be wonderful, exciting, and loving. While it is extremely hard to measure the significance of time, effort, emotion and vulnerability invested by both people which is needed to strengthen and maintain a relationship, for most, your intimate relationship with your partner becomes one of your most valuable possessions.

Relationships need a shared commitment to continuously strengthen and maintain the connection. Therapy is one of the ways in which a couple can commit to preserving their relationship and all that it holds.

Couples therapy is often viewed as a last resort, considered only when people are at a point where they are feeling distressed, discouraged, disconnected and perhaps even feeling stigmatised as having failed at their relationship. This is an unfortunate misconception as couples therapy is so much more than that and the benefits far outweigh any misconceptions.

Engaging in couples therapy is admirable and honourable as it demonstrates your willingness to do what it takes to ensure you remain in a healthy and successful relationship.

American psychological researcher and clinician Dr. John M. Gottman, learned through one of his many studies that successful relationships involve a deep and complex understanding of the other’s internal worlds.

Learning to appreciate and listen to how each of you think allows you to further acquaint yourself with the “map” of each other’s interior worlds- ambitions, desires, dreams, and joys. It is through this willingness and desire to understand that you are more likely to create a long-lasting bond.

While couples usually come to couples therapy together, I often find that some people may discover that their presenting issues can be addressed adequately as an individual through sex therapy or embodied sex coaching. For others, individuals working through one’s own personal issues with the support of a partner present may help to improve overall relationship satisfaction and therefore build a stronger connection as a couple.

I work with a scientifically sound integrative approach that is both ‘person centred’ and ‘humanistic’. I advocate for the work of Masters and Johnson as pioneers in the study of human sexuality, and also for the work of Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman through their revolutionary study of marriage. I respect and acknowledge the individuality and uniqueness of each person and couple that presents before me, and as such, engage with all of my clients through a lens of curiosity.

Referrals and self-referrals are welcome. Self-referrals can be made through arranging a free 15-minute consultation in which we can determine the best support for you and offer a further referral where necessary.