Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)

Level I trained with Stan Tatkin at PACT Institute 2023

A PACT couple session may differ somewhat from what clinicians and couples experience in other forms of couple therapy. A PACT therapist’s focus on moment-to-moment shifts in a client’s face, body, and voice, and each partner’s active involvement in paying close attention to these as a couple. A PACT therapist creates experiences similar to those troubling a relationship and helps the couple work through them in real time during the session. PACT sessions often exceed the 50-minute hour

PACT therapy, or Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, is a form of relationship therapy that focuses on understanding and addressing the underlying attachment and neurobiological patterns in couples. We dig deep into your attachment styles and incorporate somatic and cutting edge neuroscience into couples work.

PACT is the primary modality through which I conceptualize my work with couples. PACT blends contemporary neuroscience with attachment theory. With some understanding on how our caregivers taught was what romantic love looks like is emotional work but also incredibly empowering. Healing core attachment wounds enables you to participate in a healing relationship from the most core parts of the self. Also, the brain hacks provided by PACT are invaluable.

PACT stands for Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy and it has been developed by Stan Tatkin, PsyD. Its goal is to integrate mind-body functioning and give couples the tools to create a safe, “secure-functioning” relationships. PACT has been developed thanks to exciting, cutting-edge research in three areas: Neuroscience, Attachment Theory & Human Arousal.

Developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin, PACT is a fusion of attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation. PACT has a reputation for effectively treating the most challenging couples. Your experience during a PACT session may differ somewhat from what you would experience in other forms of couple therapy. Contact me to learn more.

I have extensive training in PACT (was trained in Level I + II) and am part of an ongoing case consultation group to further hone my skills and craft. PACT is very comprehensive and pays a lot of attention to attachment styles, emotional regulation, and brain science. Given that I've been trained in PACT, Gottman, and EFT, I methodically use the best parts of each modality based on what my couples are bringing and am struggling with.

The PACT couples therapy approach pulls from attachment theory, developmental neuorscience and arousal regulation. The sessions tend to be longer in length resulting in less frequency over time meeting with the therapist. Sessions typically look different than most other couples therapy frameworks. The therapist looks for micro expressions from each partner and creates situations for the couple where they can learn to relate with each other differently in real time.

This approach helps clients understand theirs and their partner's personal history and how that impacts their ability to experience secure attachment and thus foster a healthy relationship based upon shared principles, shared vision, and shared governance in the relationship.

The PACT couples therapy approach pulls from attachment theory, developmental neuorscience and arousal regulation. The sessions tend to be longer in length resulting in less frequency over time meeting with the therapist. Sessions typically look different than most other couples therapy frameworks. The therapist looks for micro expressions from each partner and creates situations for the couple where they can learn to relate with each other differently in real time.

PACT was developed out of research in three areas: attachment theory, neuroscience, and the biology of human arousal. Neuroscience provides an understanding of how people act and react within relationships. The biology of human arousal explains the moment-to-moment ability to manage our energy, alertness and ability to engage with others. PACT uses the science of how our brains work in relationship to help partners form closer, more creative, loving relationships with better communication.

Level 1 Trained PACT Therapist

The goal of PACT couples counseling is to create a secure functioning relationship where both parties are committed to operating as a "we/us" rather than two individuals at odds. Pact uses neuroscience and attachment theory of relationships. I will focus on moment-to-moment shifts in your face, body, and voice, and ask you to pay close attention to these as a couple. We will create experiences similar to those troubling your relationship and help you work through them in session.

I also specialize in working with couples with high conflict and tension. I apply Psychological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) in my work with couples and I have been PACT Level I and II trained. I help guide couples into figuring out what their principles are, their dealbreakers, overcome betrayal, and help them to be able to work out issues themselves that's best for their relationship.