Treatment

       The couple relationship is the most crucial relationship in any family. It serves as a model of relating for all other family members. Kids that grow up in an environment with dysfunctional relationships have a strong tendency to repeat that dynamic.

       Divorced couples also need to model healthy relating to their children in order for the children to develop and maintain healthy relationships of their own.

       Goals and duration of treatment vary. People enter treatment for a variety of reasons. Some may come to resolve a single issue. Others may have years of unhealthy patterns that need to be adjusted. After an initial assessment the couple makes a commitment to the relationship for the period of time the couple is in treatment. That is, the couple makes the decision to work on the marriage for approximately three to six months and during that time they agree to stay together.

       Stress in the couple relationship may have multiple symptoms or just a few. Obvious signs are fighting, the silent treatment, and decreased interest in sex. Other problems may include increased alcohol use, gambling, sleeping, spending or internet use. Noticeable changes in behavior in one partner can have a huge impact on the couple. As a systemic therapist, Nancy is interested in each person's contribution to the current patterns of relating.

The primary approach that Nancy uses to treat couples is called Emotion Focused Therapy. It is one of the most effective methods for treating distressed relationships, with 90% of couples showing significant improvements. One of the primary goals is to create a secure bond between partners. More information on EFT can be found at their website eft.ca.