Our Therapeutic Approach
Tailored methods to support lasting change
We combine proven therapeutic techniques with a compassionate, personalised approach, helping couples strengthen their connection, resolve conflicts, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Science-based relationship building
Gottman Method
Overview
The Gottman Method is a well-established, research-driven approach to improving the quality and stability of intimate relationships. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method is grounded in over four decades of scientific research on couples and marriage. It aims to help couples build a stronger friendship foundation, improve communication, manage conflict effectively, and develop a deeper sense of shared meaning in their lives together.
Techniques and Tools
- The Sound Relationship House Theory: A framework outlining essential components of a healthy relationship, such as trust, commitment, and managing conflict.
- Love Maps Exercise: Activities to deepen knowledge of each other’s inner world.
- Stress-Reducing Conversation: Techniques to support partners during difficult times.
- Conflict Management Strategies: Structured exercises to navigate and resolve disagreements respectfully.
- Homework Assignments: Couples practice skills between sessions to build lasting change.
Core Principles
- Build trust and emotional connection
- Recognise and address destructive patterns early
- Foster appreciation and respect between partners
- Manage Conflict Constructively Create Shared Meaning
How it helps
It helps couples build lasting, healthy relationships by improving communication, increasing emotional connection, and teaching practical skills to resolve conflicts and deepen intimacy.
Understanding and responding to your partner in real time
PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy)
Overview
PACT combines neuroscience, attachment theory, and body awareness to help couples better understand and meet each other’s emotional needs. It emphasizes how early experiences influence present relationship patterns.
Techniques and Tools
- Moment-to-Moment Awareness: Practices that help partners stay present and notice each other’s subtle emotional and bodily cues during interactions.
- Attachment Repair Exercises: Guided activities designed to heal attachment wounds and build emotional safety between partners.
- Somatic Tracking: Techniques that focus on bodily sensations to increase emotional awareness and regulation in the relationship.
- Emotional Responsiveness Training: Exercises to improve partners’ ability to respond to each other’s needs with empathy and care.
- Reflective Homework: Assignments encouraging couples to practice attunement and responsive communication outside sessions.
Core Principles
- Use body cues and facial expressions to understand emotions
- Create a safe, secure emotional bond
- Stay present and attuned during conflict
- Maintain awareness and responsiveness, even in tense moments.
How it helps
By increasing emotional awareness and presence, PACT helps couples break reactive patterns and respond with empathy, building lasting security and trust.
Mindfulness-based, body-oriented healing
Somatic Therapy (Hakomi Method)
Overview
Hakomi is a gentle, mindful approach that uses the body as a guide to uncover and heal unconscious beliefs and emotional wounds. It helps clients reconnect with themselves and process difficult experiences.
Techniques and Tools
- Mindful Body Awareness: Practices that cultivate attention to physical sensations and their emotional significance.
- Experiential Experiments: Gentle exercises that invite clients to explore present-moment experience with curiosity.
- Tracking: Observing subtle changes in body sensations and emotions during sessions to uncover unconscious patterns.
- Contact and Holding: Safe physical presence and support to help clients stay grounded while processing difficult emotions.
- Integration Exercises: Techniques that help clients connect insights from body awareness to everyday life.
Core Principles
- Mindfulness as a tool for self-discovery
- The body holds valuable emotional information
- Gentle, non-invasive exploration of feelings and memories
- Facilitating natural healing and growth
How it helps
Somatic therapy is especially effective for trauma, anxiety, and stress by helping clients release physical tension and integrate mind-body awareness for lasting emotional healing.
Benefits
Why These Approaches are So Beneficial?
All three methods are firmly rooted in scientific research and neuroscience, ensuring effective and evidence-based support. Together, they complement one another by addressing the emotional, relational, and physical aspects of healing.
Lidia customizes each session by blending these approaches to best meet your unique needs and support your personal growth journey.