I have training in The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. This model helps me to understand the various developmental stages couples move through, and the places where couples often get stuck.
I see the aim of couples therapy as being able to create a healthy sense of differentiation. Differentiation refers to “…the active ongoing process of a person being able to define their thoughts, their feelings, their wishes and their desires to one another and to be able to tolerate the partner doing the same thing.” Ellyn Bader
I integrate my knowledge of Attachment Theory with the Developmental model, to help each member of the couple understand their underlying attachment needs and feelings, so that they can communicate more effectively.
Common issues that Couples therapy can help with include:
- Infidelity and Trust
- Anger and fighting
- Communication problems
- Sexual problems (see Sex Therapy section in the menu)
- Substance abuse
- Issues regarding finances
- Parenting
- Divorce
- Life transitions
- Pre-marital counseling
- Navigating open-relationships