Couples Therapy in Halifax: Emotionally Focused Therapy for Relationships
It's normal for couples to experience challenges in their relationship. All relationships go through ups and downs, whether due to communication issues, trust problems, or differences in values and beliefs. However, when these challenges become too difficult to navigate on your own, couples therapy can help in solving your relationship difficulties and communication difficulties.
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At Hann Psychological Services, we understand how important healthy relationships can be for personal growth and overall well-being. When these relationships experience difficulties, it can disrupt your balance and cause life transitions, complex trauma, and mental health issues. That's why our psychologists offer couples therapy Halifax area and the surrounding communities.
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We specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a structured approach to couples counseling that addresses relationship issues and promotes a stronger, more connected relationship through focused couple therapy by a licensed therapist.
What Is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy, also known as couples counseling or marital therapy, is a type of psychotherapy designed to help couples improve their relationships. It can assist couples in all types of intimate relationships—regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.
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The primary goal of couples therapy is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the relationship bond. Here are some key aspects:
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Communication. A major focus of therapy is enhancing communication among partners. Therapists can provide tools and techniques to improve the way partners talk and listen to each other.
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Conflict Resolution. Couples therapy helps partners understand and manage disputes. A therapist can help identify patterns of conflict and provide strategies for resolving these disagreements in a healthy way.
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Strengthening Bonds. Through therapy, couples can learn to understand each other better, which can strengthen their emotional connection. This can often lead to increased empathy and understanding between partners.
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Address Specific Issues. Couples therapy can also address specific issues, such as financial problems, sexual dissatisfaction, sexual concerns, infidelity, disagreements about parenting, illness, and more.
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The couples therapy itself usually involves both partners, but sometimes one partner chooses to work with a therapist alone. The specific treatment plan will depend on the situation. Sessions typically involve discussing feelings, examining roles and behavior, and working toward resolving conflicts.
It's important to note that a couples therapist should be neutral and avoid taking sides. They are there to facilitate change and resolution, not to decide who is right or wrong in the relationship.
What Is EFT or Emotion-Focused Therapy?
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a type of couples counseling that was developed in the 1980s by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. It is based on the premise that emotions are often at the core of significant interpersonal relationships, especially romantic partnerships.
Here are some key aspects of EFT:
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Attachment Theory. EFT is rooted in attachment theory, which suggests that humans have a biological need to bond with others for survival. EFT applies this concept to adult relationships and adult attachments, viewing the emotional bond between partners as an attachment bond similar to the one between parent and child.
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Understanding Emotions. EFT helps couples understand their own and their partner's emotional responses. It encourages expressing emotions in a way that can bring partners closer together rather than create division.
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Negative Interaction Patterns. EFT focuses on helping couples recognize and de-escalate negative interaction patterns and negative emotions. This could be cycles of criticism and defensiveness, withdrawal and pursuit, or other negative patterns that create disconnection.
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Creating Secure Bonds. The ultimate goal of EFT is to create a secure emotional bond between partners. This involves fostering trust, safety, and a sense of security within the relationship.
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High Success Rate. Studies suggest that EFT is effective, with a high success rate in achieving relationship satisfaction and stability. According to the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, 70-75% of couples undergoing EFT move from distress to recovery, and approximately 90% show significant improvements.
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It's important to note that EFT can be used in a variety of settings and with diverse client populations. It is not only used as a therapy for couples but also for families (family therapy) and individuals who wish to improve their interpersonal relationships. We also provide individual therapy.
Advantages of Couples Counselling
Improved Communication Skills
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Our Halifax couples therapy can provide the tools needed for couples to communicate their needs, desires, and issues in a clear, open, constructive, and understanding manner. This forms a healthier relationship, transforming once volatile discussions into meaningful, productive conversations with better outcomes.
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Enhanced Emotional and Physical Connection
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In some forms of therapy, such as EFT, couples can learn to express their emotions in healthier ways, fostering emotional intimacy and improving their emotional experience. This can often strengthen physical intimacy, bringing couples closer together and forging stronger bonds.
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Personal Growth and Understanding
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Couples counselling can also allow individuals to learn more about themselves and their relationship patterns. This contributes to personal growth, greater self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of their partner. The counselling therapist provides a welcoming space for this growth to occur.
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Problem-Solving Skills
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Couples therapy teaches couples how to confront and resolve conflicts effectively, amicably, and respectfully—key skills for any strong, enduring relationship.
Better Mental Health
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Dealing with relationship issues can be stressful and may even cause mental health issues. With the support of a couples therapy professional, couples can learn effective ways of managing stress and improving their mental well-being.
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Building a Strong Relationship
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An integral part of couples therapy is understanding one's attachment style, which affects how we respond in relationships. Understanding this can provide clarity and help in building a well-connected relationship.
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Convenient Access
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Many clinics, including ours, offer couples therapy online. This allows for remote access and greater flexibility in scheduling appointments.
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At Hann Psychological Services, we know that finding time for therapy can be challenging, especially for busy couples. So, we made it easier with our online counselling service, ensuring convenient access to couples therapy in Halifax and the surrounding area.
How Are Our Emotionally Focused Therapy Halifax Sessions Done?
Step 1: Initial Appointment and Assessment
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In the first appointment, our professional counselling therapists sit with you and your partner to understand your distinct relationship dynamics. We look into your relationship history, your struggles, any specific mental health issues, and the goals you hope to achieve through our couples therapy Halifax sessions. We might also meet with each of you individually for further assessment.
Step 2: Identifying the Cycle of Interaction
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Our therapist helps you and your partner identify your negative cycle of interaction. This typically involves one partner pursuing or criticizing, while the other withdraws or defends. This cycle is seen as the enemy, not each other.
Step 3: Understanding Emotions Underlying Interactional Patterns
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Our therapist helps you explore the unexpressed fears and needs that underlie your interactional patterns. For instance, a person's anger might be masking a deeper fear of rejection or abandonment.
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Step 4: Reframing the Problem
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Our therapist reframes the problem in terms of the cycle, unmet needs, and unexpressed emotions. You and your partner begin to see each other as allies in fighting the cycle rather than enemies.
Step 5: Creating New Interactional Patterns
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Our therapist helps you express your needs and emotions in a way that invites empathy rather than defensiveness. Both of you then work on creating new, positive cycles of interaction.
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Step 6: Consolidation and Integration
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The final stage involves consolidating the new cycles of behavior and integrating them into the couple's everyday interactions. The goal is for you to leave therapy with a stronger bond and the tools to maintain and further develop this bond.
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Remember that the exact process can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. While EFT is typically conducted over a period of 8 to 20 sessions, some couples might require more or fewer sessions.
Why Consider Hann Psychological Services for Couples Therapy?
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Updated Therapeutic Interventions
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Our counselling therapists constantly update themselves with the latest therapeutic relationship interventions. This helps deliver an informed, well-researched, and suitable therapy for your needs.
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Customized Therapeutic Approach To EFT
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We understand the uniqueness of every individual and, thus, every relationship. Our Halifax couples therapy provides solutions specifically tailored for you and your partner. We avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy since what works for one might not work for another.
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Warm, Judgment-Free Environment
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We prioritize creating a safe and welcoming space for every couple. We operate on respect and understanding, allowing each party to feel seen and heard without any judgments.
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Experienced Counselling Therapists
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Dr. Hann and his team possess extensive clinical experience in couple therapy Halifax and are well-equipped to manage a wide range of mental health issues.
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Confidentiality
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We strictly maintain your privacy and confidentiality. All the proceedings of our therapy sessions are kept private.
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Goals-Centered Therapies
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Our therapeutical approach to therapy aim to resolve the issues at hand and attain your relationship goals and release you from relationship distress. Each session is carefully designed to bring you one step closer to your desired objectives.
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Flexible Scheduling
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We understand that everyone's schedule is different. Thus, we provide flexible scheduling options to meet your needs. This includes late evening and weekend appointments.
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Online Sessions
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For individuals who are unable to be physically present, we also provide online therapy sessions using secure video conferencing technologies. Now, you can receive therapy from the comfort of your home.
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Focus on Communication
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Enhancing communication skills between couples is one of our primary focuses. We believe many relationship issues can be resolved through effective and open communication.
Discover the Path to a Stronger Relationship at Hann Psychological Services
We work with our clients to create lasting change.
While each relationship is different, the essence remains the same. We all seek to love and be loved. We desire a deep connection that nurtures, protects, and heals. If you're ready to take the first step towards mending your relationship, we're here ready to help.
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Don't hesitate—your pathway to a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant relationship is just a phone call away from stopping having social anxiety. Reach out and schedule an appointment today for improved quality of life. At Hann Psychological Services, your relationship matters.
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We look forward to joining your journey towards reconnecting and rekindling!
Contact
Dr. S. Gerald Hann
Halifax Professional Centre
5991 Spring Garden Road, Suite 585
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1Y6