Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)

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.

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

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.

Level I trained with Stan Tatkin at PACT Institute 2023

In PACT, we assume no malintent and focus on nurturing each partner’s protective strategies. We’ll observe how you interact during stressful moments and uncover how these protective strategies impact your relationship. You’ll learn how to respond to your partner with empathy and deeper understanding, rather than defensiveness. This process creates a stronger, more secure bond, helping you navigate challenges with greater emotional awareness, building lasting intimacy and connection.

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 Couple Therapy is founded on the latest findings in developmental neuroscience, attachment theory, and arousal regulation. Through this therapeutic approach, I focus on helping couples build secure attachment and greater connection, which can lead to long-lasting changes in your relationship and overall well-being.

I am PACT level 1 trained. This informs the way I work with partners, as I look to each of you to be experts on each other. We work to create secure functioning within the relationship to grow towards your relationship goals.

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.

PACT combines information on the human arousal system & different attachment styles, and uses this information to help couples (and individuals) better communicate their wants and needs to others.

This was the closest category I could pick from to represent the polyvagal and bodymind approaches I use with couples to understand and find compassion for the embodied habits that make it difficult to change behaviors even when we want to. We have all been shaped by those that raised us to have the patterns of regulation we have. Unfortunately, they can have negative consequences on relationships in the present. Once accepted and understood, lasting change is possible.

Couple therapy, more specifically is a special kind of psychotherapy Dr. Teresa Hunt where partners learn to listen and understand each other in a totally new way, a safe non-reactive way that calms down negative cycles and promotes empathy and understanding. It allows the couple to act as a “team” to resolve concerns.

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.

I am PACT level I trained and utilize this model in my work with couples.