The Inspiration for my Work

I was initially inspired by the work of Erich Fromm. In his book The Art of Loving, Fromm spoke of love as an art. Over the years, I trained in several different approaches as a couple therapist. This enriched my understanding of what it is to be truly loving and deeply connected to another human being.  My own personal experience as a husband and co-therapist with my wife Louise has given me greater insight and empathy when working with clients.

Several years ago, I was most fortunate to meet Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT. Stan opened up for me another dimension in understanding couple dynamics. Dr. Tatkin is the co-founder and developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT).  I am now a Level 2 PACT Therapist offering intensive couple therapy to both married and non-married couples..

PACT is guided by the principle of secure-functioning relationships that thrive on mutuality, fairness, justice, and a win-win for both partners. It is an integration of:

— attachment theory (how early childhood relationships impact our adult experiences)
— arousal regulation (the ability to regulate our emotional states)
— developmental neuroscience (how the brain impacts our behaviour).

My Personal Style

I find that intensive couple therapy works best for my clients, so I work in 1.5-2 hour time blocks. As a couple therapist, I am interactive and collaborative.  I bring warmth, humour, and a sensitive listening ear to each counselling session. And I look forward to helping you and your partner move forward to a new level of peace and understanding.

The Inspiration for my Work

David and I have worked together as a husband-and-wife co-therapy team for over 25 years. During that time we have sought out many forward-thinkers who have made a difference in the couple therapy world. We have attended conferences, trainings, online workshops and seminars to learn as much as we can about how to help couples feel safe and secure in their relationships. Ultimately our connection with Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT., has had the largest impact on our work. We found that his approach spoke to us as couple therapists, and reflected our personal values and focus on love. We still meet with him and our close colleagues regularly, benefiting as he develops his approach further.

While I am a Level 2 PACT Therapist, I love to integrate my experience as a couple therapist with my current interest in Energy Psychology. And lately, I have been on a deep spiritual journey that I find reaches some couple clients who may be feeling the same way.

I still work side-by-side with David as a co-therapist in some of our Couple Intensives. But I mostly see clients on my own, offering weekly/bi-weekly sessions as well as 3-day Couple Intensives.

My Personal Style

I am a high energy, inspirational therapist. I experience life with joy and humour, which comes into play in my client sessions. Over the years, I have developed deep listening skills and a compassionate way of communicating that helps my clients feel safe and secure when they are with me. That being said, I am direct and to-the-point when needed, so that couples don’t waste their time repeating unproductive ways of relating to each other in session. With my ongoing studies in Energy Psychology, I have been able to help clients create inner calm and peace — as  individuals, and as a couple. We work together to create an atmosphere of joy, respect, and collaboration. The goal is to feel safe and secure with each other, and to be inspired to find a better way to relate.