Paola | MNZAC Counsellor, NZQA Master in Clinical Psychology, EMDR Certified Practitioner

Registrations

• ACC - ACC Registered Counsellor
• NZAC - New Zealand Association of Counsellors

I offer therapy in

• ✓ English
• ✓ Italian

• ✓ French
• ✓ Spanish

Specialisations

I specialised in couple therapy many years ago from the Systemic Therapy framework. Today, I use different modalities aside the systemic one, such as the IFS model, EFT, and the attachment theory framework. I help you navigate the journey of understanding and shaping new ways of communicating within the couple. This allows both partners to hold hands, while diving in their own personal inner family system, defense mechanisms, and attachment styles. Partners also witness their beloved one doing the same, which brings empathy, compassion and tolerance for the challenges of the other. There is an increase in awareness of how their early experiences in childhood affect their role in current intimate relationships and a growing sense of agency and autonomy in their ability to choose differently now, as they are both growing into emotional adulthood.

This process facilitates previously unmet needs to be finally met, breaking self-defeating behaviors and negative interactional cycles, while helping partners to establish a secure emotional connection, so that they become a “secure base” and “safe haven” for each other.

The relationship can then transform into a source of protection and comfort. Each partner can become the container that helps to co-regulate the triggered trauma responses of helplessness, anger, fear, and shame of the other.

A central role is this process is played by the therapeutic bond, which is built on curiosity, humility, centeredness, as well as an awareness of the painful rejection and lack of validation associated with experiencing a relationship that involves trauma. Our slow paced rhythm and a systematic approach also guarantees the right timing for both partners to gradually engage in new ways of responding to each other.

This process shows to partners how each can grow and how their growth can make great differences in their interactions and in their relational satisfaction. Hence pride can replace shame, and hope can replace helplessness and despair.

Most common issues I support people with:

The benefits of working with us could include:

• reciprocally, creating secure attachment relationships in the present

• relational growth in both partners and in their relationship to one another.

• harmony in the relationship and support for the intimate partner in developing Self-leadership

• reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and higher relationship satisfaction

• transformation of anger into a resource for change, rather than a weapon.

• increased courage to hear feedback without putting up a protective wall

• speaking truths with care and respect

• being less vulnerable to shame

• the discovering of one’s own innate intelligence and capacity for healing.

• accessing the capacity for love and care that comes from within the Self

• increased acceptance of the humanness of the partner and their capacity to grow and love deeply

If you want to experience the thrill of couple diving and discovering the underwater word and treasures of your relationship, get in touch!

Fees

• Individual session 180 NZD
• Couple session 220 NZD

Availability (Opening hours)

Monday	9AM-2PM
Tuesday	7AM- 3PM
Wednesday	1PM-5PM
Thursday	9AM-4PM
Friday	-
Saturday	-
Sunday	-

Contact me

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