Couples Therapy: A Path to Lasting Connection
Relationships are complex and evolving, often facing challenges such as emotional disconnection, conflict, or misunderstandings. When these difficulties arise, couples may struggle to communicate effectively or feel emotionally close. At Amala we use the Pragmatic Experiential Therapy for Couples (PET-C) model for many of our couples because we know it works! Developed by Dr. Brent Atkinson, it offers a solution by providing concrete exercises that enhance emotional regulation, attunement, and connection. When combined with psychodynamic therapy, and the Gottman Method, this integrative approach offers couples a powerful way to reconnect and heal.
Understanding Emotional Reactivity and Triggers
Emotional reactivity is one of the most common issues we have observed in couples. In moments of conflict, partners can become defensive or withdraw, leading to an escalation of tension and a breakdown in communication. We help couples how to recognize emotional triggers and stay present during conflict rather than falling into destructive patterns. Additionally, our psychodynamic lens adds another dimension by helping couples understand the ‘roots’ of their emotional reactivity, which often stems from childhood experiences and unresolved attachment wounds.
Emotional attunement: Key that bridges past experiences and present relationships
Emotional attunement—the ability to tune into your partner’s emotional state and respond in supportive, validating ways is challenging to put into practice during disagreements. We teach couples how to stay emotionally present and curious at the same time. Because we know emotional attunement isn’t just about being present in the moment; it’s also shaped by our early attachment experiences, and our work in that area adds a lens that deepens the understanding of their partner's default reactions.
Building Positive Influence: A Psychodynamic Perspective
A core principle that relationships thrive on is positive influence—expressing appreciation, offering affection, and practicing acts of kindness. These small, positive interactions create an emotional buffer that helps couples navigate conflict more effectively. Our work in therapy supports this process by helping couples uncover the emotional barriers that may prevent them from offering affection or gratitude.
Emotional Regulation: Present and Historical Context
We place significant emphasis on emotional regulation, teaching couples how to manage their emotional responses during conflict to prevent escalation. While our curriculum provides tools for managing emotions in the moment, our psychodynamic lens assists couples to understand where their emotional responses come from. Often, our reactions during conflict are shaped by patterns we learned in childhood as ways to cope with emotional pain or distress.
Our more holistic approach helps couples move beyond surface-level conflicts to address the emotional undercurrents that fuel their interactions. By gaining insight into their past and learning new ways to connect in the present, couples can create a more resilient, fulfilling relationship built on empathy, trust, and emotional safety. Whether navigating ongoing conflicts, betrayal issues or seeking to deepen their connection, we help couples forge a path to lasting change and greater emotional intimacy.
