Last updated on February 4th, 2026 at 09:46 am
Supporting Reconnection at Marriage Works
At Marriage Works, we are Medicare-registered psychologists who use evidence-based psychological therapies to support emotional wellbeing, relational safety, and meaningful change.
Rather than applying a single method to every situation, we draw on well-researched therapeutic approaches and tailor our work to the people and relationships in front of us.
Our focus is not on techniques alone, but on helping couples reconnect emotionally, safely, and sustainably.
Therapy Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Many people assume couples therapy is about learning communication skills or managing conflict.
In reality, effective therapy depends on:
- understanding what is happening beneath the surface
- working with emotions, attachment, and nervous systems
- choosing the right therapeutic approach at the right moment
This is why we integrate multiple evidence-based models rather than relying on a single framework.
How These Approaches Support Reconnection
Below are the key therapeutic approaches that inform our work.
They are tools, not labels – used thoughtfully in service of reconnection and healing.
Systemic Therapy (Couples & Families)
A systemic approach looks beyond the individual to the patterns and interactions that shape relationships.
This is foundational in couples work, helping partners:
- understand recurring cycles
- step out of blame
- recognise how stress, roles, and history influence connection
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT supports awareness of thinking patterns and behaviours that maintain distress.
In relationship work, CBT is often used to:
- reduce reactivity
- support emotional regulation
- create choice where patterns feel automatic
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused approaches such as the work of marital hero Michele Weiner-Davis help couples reconnect with:
- existing strengths
- moments that already work
- a shared sense of hope and direction
This can be especially helpful when couples feel stuck or discouraged.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy explores deeply held emotional patterns.
This approach is particularly useful where:
- long-standing relationship patterns repeat
- emotional triggers feel intense or confusing
- shame, abandonment, or mistrust are present
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy helps separate people from problems.
Rather than defining yourselves by what isn’t working, this approach supports couples to:
- understand the stories shaping their relationship
- create new meaning
- reduce blame and self-criticism
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotion-focused work recognises the central role of emotion and attachment in relationships.
It supports:
- deeper emotional access
- safe expression of needs
- increased responsiveness between partners
Gottman-Informed Couples Therapy
Our couple work is informed by the extensive relationship research of John Gottman, particularly his findings on emotional safety, repair. And the everyday interactions known to sustain long-term relationships. These insights support our focus on reconnection rather than blame.
Gottman’s research helps us understand:
- why certain patterns predict relationship distress
- how everyday interactions build or erode trust
- the role of emotional safety, friendship, and repair
- how couples move from disconnection back to connection
Rather than using Gottman Method therapy as a scripted program, we draw on its research-based insights to:
- normalise conflict without minimising its impact
- identify unhelpful interaction cycles early
- support repair after rupture
- strengthen emotional attunement and friendship
This research foundation complements our reconnection-focused work by offering clarity and reassurance, while deeper therapeutic approaches address the emotional and nervous system patterns beneath the surface.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy, developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, focuses on how early attachment experiences shape adult relationships.
Imago-informed dialogue helps couples:
- slow communication
- listen without defensiveness
- understand each other’s emotional world
This approach strongly informs our Private Reconnection Work.
Trauma-Informed Therapies (EMDR, RT, EFT Tapping, Mindfulness)
We also work with trauma-informed approaches where past experiences are impacting the present.
These include:
- EMDR, developed by Francine Shapiro
- Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping)
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction Jon Kabat-zin
These methods support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and recovery from trauma.
Resource Therapy (Advanced Parts-Based Therapy)
Resource Therapy, pioneered by Gordon Emmerson Phd, works directly with the part of the personality holding distress.
This approach allows:
- precise, focused therapeutic work
- resolution of emotional pain at its source
- faster, more integrated change
Philipa Thornton and Chris Paulin are certified Master Resource Therapy trainers and also teach this approach to other mental health professionals.
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a stand-alone, trauma-focused psychotherapy developed by psychiatrist Frank Corrigan.
DBR works directly with the brain’s earliest orienting and shock responses to threat and attachment rupture responses that occur prior to emotion, cognition, and narrative.
Rather than relying on re-telling, exposure, or cognitive processing, DBR supports resolution at the level where trauma is first encoded. This allows traumatic responses to soften without emotional flooding, re-traumatisation, or narrative re-processing.
Philipa Thornton is a Level 3 trained Deep Brain Reorienting practitioner, the highest level of DBR training currently available.
DBR is particularly effective when:
- emotional reactions arise suddenly and feel out of proportion
- conflict triggers freeze, shutdown, collapse, or panic
- early attachment trauma is activated in adult relationships
- insight-based or relational approaches have not shifted the pattern
By resolving trauma at this foundational brain level, DBR supports increased emotional regulation, presence, and capacity for connection. This allows individuals and couples to relate from the present, rather than from unresolved shock or threat responses.
What Matters More Than the Method
While these therapies inform our work, what matters most is how they are applied.
At Marriage Works:
- therapy is private, contained andn confidential
- emotional security and safety comes first
- work is paced carefully
- methods are chosen to support connection, not overwhelm
This is why most couples do not need to choose a therapy type.
We do that thoughtfully, with you.
How This Connects to Our Core Couples Work
Many couples who arrive here are not seeking therapy in general.
They are seeking reconnection.
That’s why our primary couples service is:
👉 Private Reconnection Work for Couples Who Still Choose Each Other
This work integrates the approaches above within a clear, structured framework designed specifically for committed but disconnected couples.
🔗 Learn more about Private Reconnection Work
A Calm Place to Begin
If you’re unsure where to start, a short conversation can help.
📞 Book a free 15-minute consultation
or call 0434 559 011
We’ll help you find the right next step, without pressure, with warmth and kindness.