Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy

Experiencing problems in your relationship is inevitable. Any relationship will go through its ups and downs, its how you deal with it that will make a difference. Many people turn to couples therapy and are able to strengthen their relationship and protect it for years to come.

We offer couples counselling to both individuals and couples looking to overcome relationship problems. Our experienced PMW psychologists offer marriage or couples counselling and a variety of approaches are available. We will work with you both either together or individually to improve communication, enable conflict resolution and rekindle feelings of warmth and fondness. Read below for information or give us a call and we can explain more about how we work with you and what to expect.

Gottman Method

The Gottman Method was created by Dr’s John and Julie Gottman who have been studying what makes a relationship successful for over 40 years. This method of couples counselling is one of the few that is based on a wealth of rigorous scientific research.

Couples typically complete an assessment and then identify areas within their relationship that are existing strengths or that need strengthening. Based on the Sound House model couples learn the nine components required for a healthy relationship.

Putting all of this into practice Couples are often able to increase respect, affection, and closeness. As well as foster greater understanding between partners and most importantly keep conflict discussions calm and effective.

ACT for Couples

This approach is focused on answering two questions. What sort of relationship do you want? And what stands in the way of you having this relationship?

Based on the same theoretical framework as ACT for individuals. ACT for couples applies the principles of Defusion, Mindfulness, Expansion, Acceptance and Values Driven Behaviour to help a couple to overcome conflicts and generate caring, connection and contribution.

Very helpful in identifying the difference between values driven behaviour and feelings , the latter not under our control and is often more susceptible to fluctuations and interpretation. For example to distinguish the action of trust from the ‘feeling’ of trust, which is often heavily entwined with thoughts.Or the action of love versus the feeling of love. Learn more about ACT with marriage counselling for couples at PMW.