Couple Therapy

Couple therapy can be a potent way for a couple to work through the difficulties they may be experiencing between themselves.

As individuals, we internalise our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the world, a process that starts in early childhood. These internalised experiences shape our identity, our perceptions of others, and our approach to relationships.

The attachment patterns that form in childhood determine our adult attachment styles, influencing how we perceive ourselves, our partners, and our romantic relationships in adult life.

It is these internalised experiences of relationships that are the main focus of couple therapy.

If our early relationships were characterised by developmental or childhood trauma or felt unsafe or violating, these experiences may negatively affect our adult relationships, particularly romantic ones, and cause relationship issues for one or both members of the couple. The difficulties a couple experiences often stem from re-enacting these early experiences—often outside consciousness. This can lead to recurring negative patterns of interaction that may seem puzzling or frustrating, as the source of these patterns remains hidden.

In couple therapy, the focus on the unconscious experiences and patterns of interaction underlying the couple's issues. By bringing these into awareness, the couple can better understand what each partner brings to the relationship and enhance their capacity for intimacy. The awareness of internal conflicts, which are at the heart of the relationship issues, also provides a basis for their resolution.

Couple therapy provides a safe, controlled, and dedicated space for introspection and exploration where couples can unearth ingrained beliefs, emotions, and behaviours that may unconsciously influence their relationship dynamics. This heightened awareness not only promotes insight and provides an opportunity to address underlying issues constructively and collaboratively, but also allows each partner to change individually as a person.

Ultimately, focusing on unconscious experiences in couple therapy serves as a crucial gateway for partners to embark on a journey towards relational growth, emotional connection, and sustainable intimacy.

What is the process of initial assessment and diagnosis?

Thorough assessment of presenting issues is an essential element of treatment. Initial assessment takes place in two separate 50-minute sessions, focusing on the analysis of the presenting issues, what underpins them, and the discussion about the potential further treatment.
What is the duration and frequency of sessions?

Depending on the presenting issues and the set goals of therapy, the treatment will take place once or twice per week in 50-minute sessions.
Is treatment in-person or can it be online?

The treatment can either take place in-person or online. Online treatment can either be in the form of a combination of in-person and online sessions, or it can take place entirely online, which may be the case if you are based in another country or travel frequently.
What is the treatment frame?

Treatment frame determines the conditions and terms of psychotherapy. The basic terms are predetermined and are normally universal for all clients, whilst other terms may be set depending on the needs of the treatment.
What are the treatment options in terms of the duration of therapy?

Psychotherapy is a process that is tailor-made, depending on your presenting issues and your goals. As such, the duration of the process will vary as well. Short-term therapy will usually last from 6-12 sessions. The focus of brief treatments is predominantly on symptom relief and stabilisation of general functioning while the underlying personality dynamics are normally not addressed. Mid-term therapy may last from a few months to a year. This is where the focus may be on symptomatic changes and some changes to your relationship patterns. Long-term therapy is more common. This is where the focus of the treatment might be on deeper changes in personality functioning and the sense of self.
Is there an option of receiving therapy in other languages.

Yes. Therapy can take place in English, Slovenian, or Croatian.