Therapy for Couples

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Schema Therapy for couples is a specific approach to relationship therapy adapted from Schema Therapy for individuals.

 

A key goal is for partners to recognise and understand old, unhelpful patterns formed from past experiences, such as a fear of abandonment, shame, perfectionism, bottling up emotions, or entitlement. These patterns, so-called schemas, influence how people think, feel, and react, often leading to fight, flight, freeze, or surrender responses.

In therapy, couples learn to recognise when their or their partner's schemas are triggered, and how this leads to conflicts. By recognising and challenging these patterns, couples can break free from ever-repeating conflict cycles, improve their communication, manage emotions better, repair after arguments, and create healthier, supportive relationship dynamics.

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The aim is to understand, express and meet emotional needs with compassion and accountability, guided by a "Healthy Adult" mindset.

 

While the focus of schema therapy for couples is on the relationship, clients will find this type of therapy beneficial for working through their individual mental health challenges as well.

 

A special interest of mine is working with couples who live in complex, blended or multi-cultural family settings. I am happy to assist in working through challenges such as difficulties with intimacy and sex, or infidelity. 

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LGBTIQA+-Affirming Care

 

Of course, I assist ALL couples regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and couples who live in or want to explore open monogamy / ethical non-monogamy or polyamory.