Emotion-focused couple therapy
I work with couples with an emotionally focused approach.
– The focus is on communication, but more importantly, the emotions at play. We explore how emotions affect the relationship and learn how to deal with them in a constructive way so that both parties can get more out of the relationship. We will work to help you and your partner understand your feelings, to understand each other, your dynamics, and thus deal with what arises between you and rediscover the way to meet each other lovingly.
At the start of therapy, we will look at your history and your current situation together. We work to understand what is causing you problems and how your emotions affect your behavior. The focus will be on finding and developing strategies to deal with your problems.
For some, the desire will be to solve specific challenges, repair and get closer to each other. Some want to find the spark again, to become more intimate and feel a deeper connection to each other. There may also be couples who are on the verge of ending their relationship, but they want to work through some challenges and come through healthier to a better understanding. This can be particularly relevant when there are children in the relationship.
Couples therapy requires both parties to be willing to make an effort.
If any of the following apply, it may be relevant to start with individual therapy.
- Physical, sexual or psychological violence
- Abuse
- Only one of them wants to go to couples therapy
- You think, “if they just did this, we would be happy”
- When cheating and the other continues the relationship
- Unprocessed trauma
- A recent crisis
- Hallucinations or psychiatric disorder
