Couples & Relationship Therapy
“From the cradle to the grave, we all need a safe haven and a secure base.” John Bowlby
In my work with couples I use an attachment based approach. This is called Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, or EFT. It is a proven effective treatment for healing couple distress and strengthening attachment bonds.
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is being used with many different kinds of couples in private practice, university training centres and hospital clinics and many different cultural groups throughout the world. These distressed couples include partners suffering from disorders such as depression, post traumatic stress disorders and chronic illness.
You can find out more about this highly effective way of working with couples on the EFT website if you click on this link:
http://www.holdmetight.net/dvd.php
There is a brief description of the work and the research which has been developed about its effectiveness. You can also read about EFT in this article by Sue Johnson, it's main developer:
http://www.psychotherapy.net/article/couples-therapy-attachment
I am listed on the approved EFT list of therapists on the International Centre of Excellence for Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy website: http://www.ocfi.ca/cgi-bin/eft/search.
I have an on-going commitment to building my EFT skills. I have one-to-one supervision using tapes of my work with couples with Dr Rebecca Jorgensen, who is Director of the Training and Research Institute for EFT at Alliant University, San Diego. I also contribute to peer-led tape watch groups under the supervision of Dr. Jorgensen and with colleagues.
Internet Therapy & Intensive Therapy
For couples who live outside of New Zealand, or who are based outside of the Bay of Plenty, there is the possibility of therapy via Zoom. Please email me to discuss.
There is also the possibility of Therapy Intensives for couples who wish to travel to the Bay of Plenty and stay for two to four days. Couples then attend therapy on a structured basis across the two to four days.

Hold Me Tight
This excellent book, written by Sue Johnson, outlines the basis for EFT Couples Therapy.
"At last, a road map through Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with its creator. Dr. Johnson's superb science, humor, and clinical wisdom are finally accessible to all of us. I couldn't pick a smarter, warmer, and more real guide for the journey." - John Gottman, PhD, bestselling author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
"Dr. Sue Johnson is the most original contributor to couples therapy to come along in the last thirty years. This book will touch your heart, stimulate your mind, and give you practical strategies for improving your marriage. It will be an instant classic" - Barry McCarthy, PhD, author if Getting It Right the First Time
This excellent book, written by Sue Johnson, outlines the basis for EFT Couples Therapy.
"At last, a road map through Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with its creator. Dr. Johnson's superb science, humor, and clinical wisdom are finally accessible to all of us. I couldn't pick a smarter, warmer, and more real guide for the journey." - John Gottman, PhD, bestselling author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
"Dr. Sue Johnson is the most original contributor to couples therapy to come along in the last thirty years. This book will touch your heart, stimulate your mind, and give you practical strategies for improving your marriage. It will be an instant classic" - Barry McCarthy, PhD, author if Getting It Right the First Time