Our approach to therapy is:
Aattachment-Based: As humans we are neurologically wired to need relationship with significant, largely irreplaceable others. As children this is typically our parents or guardians. As we become adults this primary bond transfers to our romantic partner. Parent-child attachment science goes back almost a century. Adult attachment science has emerged in the past several decades. Therapy that is attachment-based views problems and distress as a natural and understandable result of a disruption of a person’s primary attachment relationship(s). Attachment science provides a lens for understanding partner’s or family member’s behavior and has a road map to creating lasting change.
Eexperiential: Change happens through creating new experiences, first in the therapy office and then at home. The therapist assists couples or family members to become aware of their emotions, feelings, thoughts and actions in the moment and to express this awareness to their partner/family in new ways during the therapy session.
Ssystemic: Systemic therapists consider mutually reinforcing patterns of interaction between an individual and the family and social systems the individual is a part of. Problems are viewed as the result of rigid, closed systems of people that mutually affect each other in circular patterns. Behaviors aren’t seen to cause other behaviors in a linear progression.
Rrespectful of Diversity: Our belief in the value of diversity is also influenced by our faith, including the biblical passage that declares that whether we are male or female, leader or follower, of one culture, ethnicity, religion, or another, we are all created equal and have the same inherent value and worth.
Consistent with Biblical Faith: Dennis came to learn about EFT through Genesis. He sought to understand how we were design for relationship then how separation from the Creator affected that design. Dennis discovered descriptions of attachment relationship not only between couples but also between God and us. This led him on a quest to learn more about the unique nature of attachment relationships and the rediscovery of Emotional Focused Therapy. EFT is based on science that is consistent with a Biblical view of the human condition. One of the basic premises of EFT and Attachment Science is that love is experienced through the Availability, Responsiveness, and Engagement of another person. Jesus provides a perfect example of A.R.E qualities of relating to us.