My Modalities
My two primary modalities are the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) and The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. I find the two modalities very complimentary! PACT emphasizes co-regulation, collaboration, and operating in ways that are mutually beneficial, while the Developmental Model emphasizes personal growth and differentiation between partners. I also draw from The Gottman Method. Combined, these modalities enable me to help couples get to the root of their challenges and create fulfilling, secure, joyful relationships.
The Science Behind My Approach
PACT, one of my two main modalities, is rooted in three scientific domains: attachment theory, neuroscience, and nervous system arousal and regulation.
PACT focuses on how partners' attachment styles, brain functioning, and nervous systems affect their experiences in a relationship. As a PACT therapist, I help partners learn to interact in ways that promote “secure functioning” and thus ultimately create secure attachment and the ability to thrive together as a couple. Here’s a bit more about the three scientific pillars upon which my approach is built:
Attachment Theory
Research shows that the nature of our relationships with our primary caregivers when we are children shapes the nature of the romantic bonds we make as adults. Understanding how attachment patterns developed in childhood are impacting our present-day relationships with our partners helps us shed ineffective behaviors and move towards secure ways of being in relationship.
Developmental Neuroscience
Some parts of the brain are designed to detect threat and, when triggered, respond with self-defense. Other structures in the brain are designed for collaboration and maintaining loving relationships with others. Knowing how to work with the natural tendencies of these different parts of the brain empowers us to have better interactions with our partners.
Nervous System Arousal + Regulation
When stress (physical or emotional) is at a manageable level, we are within our “window of tolerance” in which we can be present and connected to our partner. When stress is too high, we enter states like fight, flight, or freeze and our interactions with our partners go downhill. Self-regulating and co-regulating our nervous systems helps us stay connected.
In therapy, I will utilize these areas of knowledge (among others) to help you and your partner create a secure functioning relationship in which you both can thrive — individually and together.
