Our Approaches to Couples Therapy

At Grounded Growth Counseling, we understand that every couple is unique. That’s why we draw from several powerful, research-based approaches to help you and your partner reconnect, repair, and build a secure, lasting relationship. Whether you're navigating new parenthood, recovering from betrayal, or simply feeling stuck in old patterns, our therapeutic methods are tailored to meet your needs.

The Gottman Method

Based on over four decades of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this structured approach focuses on what makes relationships succeed or fail. In Gottman-informed therapy, we work with couples to:

  • Strengthen friendship and emotional intimacy

  • Manage conflict using effective communication tools

  • Build shared meaning and long-term rituals of connection

We may use assessments like the Gottman Relationship Checkup and offer practical exercises to reinforce progress between sessions.

Therapy images representing trauma-informed counseling, couples connection, and individual healing for overfunctioning adults, new parents, and those navigating burnout and relationship stress at Grounded Growth Counseling in Haddonfield, NJ.
Therapy images representing trauma-informed counseling, couples connection, and individual healing for overfunctioning adults, new parents, and those navigating burnout and relationship stress at Grounded Growth Counseling in Haddonfield, NJ.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT, created by Dr. Sue Johnson, is a deeply empathic and attachment-based approach to healing relationship distress. It helps couples:

  • Identify and shift negative cycles that fuel disconnection

  • Express vulnerable emotions in ways that promote closeness

  • Rebuild emotional safety and secure bonding

EFT is especially helpful for couples dealing with high conflict, emotional withdrawal, or the aftermath of betrayal.

Therapy images representing trauma-informed counseling, couples connection, and individual healing for overfunctioning adults, new parents, and those navigating burnout and relationship stress at Grounded Growth Counseling in Haddonfield, NJ.

PACT: The Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy

PACT, developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin, is a cutting-edge model that focuses on creating secure-functioning relationships through nervous system regulation, attachment theory, and neuroscience. In PACT, we help couples:

  • Understand and respond to each other's emotional and physiological cues

  • Build trust through safety, fairness, and mutual protection

  • Shift from reactive conflict to attuned, collaborative problem-solving

PACT sessions are dynamic, experiential, and often include real-time interactions and interventions that bring immediate insight and change.