PACT | The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy
What Is PACT? How I practice PACT with couples
In my work with couples, I use the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT), a dynamic, research‑informed model that blends attachment science, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation.
My goal is to help you build a secure‑functioning relationship—one rooted in safety, fairness, mutual protection, and lasting connection.
What Is PACT?
PACT, developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin, integrates three key areas:
- Attachment theory: how early bonding shapes adult relationship patterns
- Developmental neuroscience: how the brain detects threat and seeks safety or connection
- Biology of human arousal: how we manage energy and alertness in the moment
I use PACT to help you shift from reflexive self‑protection to collaborative care, so you can repair faster, communicate clearly, and deepen trust.
How I Use PACT in Session
PACT is experiential and present‑focused. I track moment‑to‑moment shifts in facial expression, tone of voice, posture, and nervous system arousal. Rather than only discussing what went wrong, I recreate small parts of difficult moments so you can practice secure‑functioning behaviors right in session.
- Identify automatic patterns rooted in attachment history and stress responses
- Practice nervous‑system regulation to stay present and connected under pressure
- Replace reactive moves with reliable, pro‑relationship moves
- Strengthen secure‑functioning agreements: care, fairness, and mutual protection
Why PACT Works
When your nervous systems feel protected and prioritized, your brains can shift from threat reduction to collaboration, empathy, and intimacy.
PACT offers a practical roadmap to create a felt sense of safety and trust—so change becomes sustainable.
What a PACT Session Feels Like
Sessions are active and collaborative. I’ll often position you face‑to‑face, guide brief enactments, and invite you to notice subtle shifts in each other. You’ll leave with clear practices you can use immediately to interrupt old cycles and protect the relationship when it matters most.
Key Principles
- Secure‑functioning partnership
- Attachment‑informed interventions
- Nervous‑system regulation
- Real‑time tracking and repair
- Mutual care, fairness, and protection
Who I Work With
I work with couples navigating recurring conflict, breaches of trust, emotional disconnection, life transitions, parenting stress, and those who want to deepen an already strong bond. PACT supports highly distressed couples and helps strong couples advance toward deeper security, play, and intimacy.
Results You Can Expect
- Faster repair after conflicts and fewer escalations
- Clear, secure‑functioning agreements you both can count on
- Improved emotional regulation and a stronger sense of safety
- More empathy, curiosity, and teamwork in high‑stress moments
- Deeper connection, play, and intimacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PACT only for distressed couples?
No. PACT is excellent for distressed couples and for partners who want to strengthen security, communication, and intimacy.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your goals and history. Many couples notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions as they practice secure‑functioning skills both in and out of session.
What makes PACT different from standard talk therapy?
PACT is experiential and moment‑to‑moment. I coach you through live, structured interactions and help you regulate arousal and repair quickly, rather than only analyzing what happened later.
Ready to Begin?
If you want a secure‑functioning, resilient relationship, PACT offers a clear path. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and we’ll plan next steps together.