Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)

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.

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.

The PACT model focuses on attachment theory and promotes secure functioning in couples.

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

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.

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.

I am a level 2 trained PACT therapist and am registered for Level 3 final training beginning in July 2022

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.

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.

I'm a level II PACT therapist.

PACT has at its core the goal to move couples towards a secure functioning relationship- one where folx can feel safe and protected. This method brings both compassion and clarity to the realtionship and tends to everyday issues (money, sex, communication, kids, etc.) from an attachement, brain savvy and truma informed place.

Level 1 Trained PACT Therapist

I follow the guiding principles of Stan Tatkin.

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 level 1 trained. This training requires of over 40 hours of live learning with an additional 40 hours of self study. I regularly participate in consultation groups to support my learning and growth and success with clients.