Is Your Love Built to Last? Explore PACT Couples Therapy
By Tamara Fass, LMSW
What makes a relationship stand the test of time?
We all start relationships full of promise, love, chemistry, and the best intentions. But over time, those initial feelings often aren’t enough. We know people are complex, yet we expect relationships to be simple and easy. When they aren't, we assume something's wrong. The truth, as Dr. Stan Tatkin’s PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) model reveals, is that relationships are challenging because people are complex. And that's perfectly okay! What if our relationships are just as intricate as we are?
Digging Deeper
PACT goes beyond surface issues. It delves into how our nervous systems and attachment styles affect our interactions, especially during stressful times. For example, if you withdraw during conflict due to an anxious attachment style, understanding this can foster empathy and better communication. PACT therapists notice subtle changes in facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. This helps couples become more in tune with each other's emotions. By exploring attachment styles, PACT helps create a safe space for vulnerability, fostering deeper connections and reducing anxieties within the relationship.
Authentic Connection
PACT doesn't ask you to change who you are. Instead, it encourages you to embrace your true self, vulnerabilities and all. It helps uncover and clarify the underlying needs and fears that often drive arguments, the ones that are seemingly in opposition to your partners. By discovering where you are more alike than you know, you can deeply connect and celebrate each other's true nature. By being seen and understood in a spirit of authentic collaboration you can build a relationship strong enough to weather life's storms together.
Forget Fairytales
PACT equips couples with the tools to understand and navigate the complexities of human behavior. It's an investment in your relationship's future, providing a roadmap to handle life's inevitable detours with empathy and partnership. By acknowledging the complexity of relationships, we honor them by putting in the effort needed for a truly happy ever after.