Research has shown there are four pillars of relationship connection, and even if one of these pillars is lacking in strength, the couple will feel the relationship as unsteady. At this therapeutically-oriented webinar, globally renowned couples therapist, Kathleen Mates-Youngman addresses this lack of connection through empirically-based models including:

• The Gottman Method – to get to the foundation of the relationship
• Emotion-Focused Therapy – to explore the impact of early childhood attachment on couple dynamics
• Relational Life Therapy – to understand the stance partners take when facing challenges
• Schema Therapy – to challenge underlying beliefs that may interfere with healthy connection and
• Pragmatic-Experiential Therapy – to learn core differences in couples

Using case vignettes, Kathleen first defines connection, highlighting the key roles of Caring; Play (including shared fun, adventure, exploration and levity); Longing; Sexual and sensual connections; before helping us evaluate the possible reasons for disconnection and how we can therapeutically assist the couple in each case. We will learn to work with:

• Relationship injuries – whether historical or current
• Emotional injuries – whether minor or major which may continue to interfere with trust and closeness, unless processed and repaired
• Transition stress – we will consider how life milestones including courtship to marriage, couple to parents and empty nesting can stretch the limits of couple connections
• Situational stresses created by career challenges, family boundaries, financial distresses and / or illnesses can exacerbate an already detached couple
• Conflicting relationship styles in couples that may manifest on account of:
  • Emotional or physical abuse
  • Activation of insecure attachment styles during times of stress
  • Widely different temperaments and
  • Disparate schema styles
• Mood disorder – where the root causes of disconnection may arise from depression or anxiety
• Personality disorder – where Axis II disorders may result in dysfunctional relational patterns that can create distance between partners

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how to navigate early sessions in order to: learn why the couple has sought therapy at this time, manage any immediate crises, assess for violence, mood disorders and relationship strengths and weaknesses
• Define and operationalize healthy relationship connection; understand possible threats to connection
• Explain the impact of family and relationship history in order to achieve repair; create disconnection prevention tools

© nscience UK, 2023 / 2024