Therapy and Counselling

When working with couples, my approach draws on what is called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is my ongoing training. EFT is a short-term (8 – 20 sessions) structured approach to couple’s therapy developed by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg in the 1980’s, which is based on John Bowlby’s Attachment research over 50 years ago. Bowlby found that humans and higher primate animals appeared to have an innate need to feel attached to and comforted by significant others. EFT is grounded in research while focusing on negative communication patterns and love as an attachment bond.

Attachment between people typically provides a safe haven; a retreat from the world and a way to obtain comfort, security and a buffer against stress. Attachment also offers a secure base, allowing you to feel safe while you explore the world and learn new information. Its formation begins in childhood with a primary caretaker, such as a parent. Those early, established patterns carry through to adulthood. An “unavailable caretaker” creates distress in a baby akin to an “unavailable partner” creating distress in an adult. Attachment theory provides the emotionally-focused therapist with a “road map” to the drama of distress, emotions and needs between partners.

Working with you

Whether you have come to explore problems in their early stage, or difficulties that feel entrenched and insurmountable, we will work together towards creating lasting change, which will support you when facing future challenges together.