Couples Therapy

Evidence-Based Approaches to Strengthening Relationships

Decades of research in couples therapy show that partners thrive when they feel emotionally connected, communicate effectively, and have tools to navigate conflict with compassion.

Two of the most well-researched and widely respected methods—Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) and The Gottman Method—offer clear, effective pathways for improving relationship satisfaction.

At OHC, we use both approaches in our work to help couples deepen their bond, repair disconnection, and build healthier patterns that last.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is a leading evidence-based approach focused on strengthening emotional connection.

At the core of EFT is the concept of the negative cycle—the repeating pattern couples fall into when they feel hurt, insecure, or disconnected. This cycle often shows up as pursuing, distancing, shutting down, or escalating conflict.

In EFT, couples learn to recognize this cycle as the common enemy, not each other. By slowing down these moments and exploring the underlying emotions and attachment needs, partners can respond to one another with more safety, openness, and understanding. This helps reduce conflict, increase trust, and create a more secure, loving bond.

The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method is a highly researched, structured approach to improving relationship satisfaction and communication.

A key element of this model is identifying and reducing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. These communication patterns, if left unaddressed, can weaken emotional connection and increase resentment.

Through therapy, couples learn practical tools to replace the Four Horsemen with healthier alternatives like gentle start-ups, taking responsibility, expressing appreciation, and practicing self-soothing. The Gottman Method also emphasizes building friendship, emotional attunement, and shared meaning, providing couples with a strong foundation for long-term relationship health.

How does EFT Couples Can Help

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples can help you:

Reduce recurring conflict and negative interaction cycles
Improve communication and emotional understanding
Rebuild trust after hurt, disconnection, or betrayal
Strengthen emotional closeness and intimacy
Move out of patterns of criticism, withdrawal, or defensiveness
Better understand each partner’s underlying emotional needs
Repair attachment injuries and relationship ruptures
Create a more secure, supportive, and connected relationship
Increase responsiveness, care, and emotional safety between partners

How does The Gottman Method Can Help

The Gottman Method can help couples:

Improve communication and reduce conflict
Strengthen friendship, trust, and connection
Break negative interaction patterns
Build better problem-solving skills
Increase emotional closeness and intimacy
Repair and rebuild trust after difficulties
Create a more stable and satisfying relationship

Why choose OHC for your couples therapy journey?

At OHC, we integrate the emotional depth of EFT with the practical strategies of the Gottman Method to offer a balanced and effective approach to couples therapy.

Kumsal has completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Individual and Couples Therapy and is a member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Find more info here: https://directory.iceeft.com/therapist-profile/kumsal_tekirdag_kosar_23420/

EFT helps couples understand the deeper emotions and attachment needs fueling their negative cycle, while the Gottman Method provides concrete skills to shift unhelpful communication patterns like the Four Horsemen. Bringing these approaches together allows us to support couples in creating lasting change—strengthening connection, improving communication, and rebuilding trust.

Our therapy space is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on helping both partners feel heard, supported, and empowered to build a more secure and fulfilling relationship.

Book a Consultation Now

Contact Us

We provide a free 15-minute consultation to connect and determine whether we are a good fit. It will also give us a better idea of the issues you are looking for support with and how we can support you.

Are you ready to establish our healing connection?

You can email us at hello@ourhealingconnection.ca

to request an appointment.