Couples Therapy| Petra Samlow Wellness

couples counselling

Couples Therapy
Marriage Counselling
Pre-Marital Counselling

Communication Skills Training
Conflict Resolution
Intimacy Issues
Parenting Support

"You can only love someone to the extent that you love yourself.

True love requires vulnerability, empathy, and acceptance, qualities that we must first cultivate within ourselves.

When we lack self-love, we tend to project our insecurities onto others, seeking validation or fulfilment from them. This can lead to dependency or unrealistic expectations, which often undermine genuine connection.

But when we nurture self-compassion and self-respect, we create the emotional space needed to love others fully, without conditions or fear. Our ability to love deeply and authentically grows in proportion to the love and understanding we offer ourselves. "

Petra Samlow

De Facto Relationships

Adjusting to Married Life

Navigating Family Life

Mature Relationships

I'm here to help

I am dedicated to providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space for couples to work through their challenges. With years of experience, I employ evidence-based techniques to help couples communicate effectively, rebuild trust, and foster intimacy. Whether you're navigating through tough times, preparing for marriage, or seeking to deepen your emotional connection, I am here to provide the tools and guidance you need.

my approach

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH

The best approach for couples therapy often depends on the specific issues the couple is facing, their personalities, and their goals for therapy. Some couples might benefit from a combination of these methods, while others might respond well to a single approach. I often integrate elements from multiple approaches to tailor the therapy to the couple’s unique needs.

BEST FOR:
Couples who want to explore deeper emotional issues, unconscious motivations, and relational patterns rooted in the past.

Overview: Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on exploring the unconscious forces, past experiences, and early relationships that shape the current behaviour and dynamics in your relationship. I will help you uncover the underlying emotional conflicts and improve your understanding of each other.

Core Elements: This approach involves exploring attachment issues, unresolved conflicts from childhood, and the transference of emotions from one partner to another.

Effectiveness: Psychodynamic therapy can lead to deep, long-term change, especially for couples dealing with complex emotional issues and unresolved past experiences.

BEST FOR:
Couples dealing with chronic conflict, communication problems, and a desire to improve their relationship skills.

Overview: This method is grounded in decades of research. It focuses on building relationship skills such as managing conflict, enhancing friendship, and creating shared meaning. I will help you find meaning, build shared goals, enhance fondness and admiration, and manage conflict constructively.

Core Elements: The Gottman Method (developed by John Gottman) uses interventions that improve communication, foster respect, and reduce negative patterns (e.g., criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling).

Effectiveness: The approach is backed by extensive research and is known for its practical techniques that can be implemented in day-to-day interactions.

BEST FOR:
Couples looking for quick, goal-oriented change.

Overview: Solution Focus Therapy (SFT) focuses on finding solutions to specific problems in the relationship rather than dwelling on past issues. I will help you identify what is working in the relationship and build on those strengths.

Core Elements: SFT emphasises positive thinking, setting concrete goals, and taking small steps toward solutions.

Effectiveness: SFT is typically short-term and effective for couples who want immediate and practical solutions to specific issues

BEST FOR:
Couples who want to reframe their relationship story and break free from negative patterns.

Overview: Narrative Therapy views the relationship as a story that couples co-author. I will help you identify the stories you have created about your relationship and yourselves, and work with you on reshaping those narratives in a more positive and empowering way.

Core Elements: The approach focuses on externalising problems (viewing the problem as separate from the individual), exploring alternative narratives, and identifying strengths in the relationship.

Effectiveness: Narrative therapy can be particularly helpful for couples who feel stuck in negative stories about themselves or their relationship.

Book your session today