Couples Therapy Lisbon: Professional Support for Your Relationship in the times of trouble.
Are you in a challenging moment in your relationship? You are in the right place to try to change the course of your life together. Couples Therapy can help!
There is hope
You are together but something is pulling you apart? Why do couples fight or go silent?
Couples Therapy Therapist:
“What we hear from the couples in our sessions is often about not being appreciated, not being heard, not having enough sex or emotional intimacy. For some couples it’s about house chores, money, and childcare. For others it might be about jealousy, an affair or time spent with friends.
Imagine that these are different ways of trying to re-establish a connection and asking: “Where are you!?”.
We are made to experience a connection and when our partners drift away our alarms go on: “Where are you?”. Left alone for too long we become frustrated, angry and in the end resentful.
We might choose “house chores” to communicate that we feel alone but the basic longing is for connection. Without it we are not safe. We will help you to focus on bringing the safety back.
Couples therapy offers a safe space to bridge that gap and rebuild the foundation of your relationship.”
Can you hear me?
What is couples therapy?
Often when couples first come to us they have problems listening to each other. We’ll help you to clarify your needs, limits and make sure you both can hear each other very well.
Couples therapy is a professional, collaborative process designed to help partners navigate the complexities of their relationship and resolve deep-seated conflicts in a safe, neutral environment. Rather than simply managing arguments, it focuses on identifying the underlying negative cycles and attachment needs that often lead to emotional disconnection. To achieve this, we utilize a diverse and integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based frameworks like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to repair bonds and the Gottman Method to provide practical communication tools. By incorporating psychodynamic insights and CBT techniques, we explore how individual attachment styles and past experiences influence current behaviors.
This tailored approach empowers partners to transform their automatic “dance” from one of distance into a secure, resilient, and loving partnership.
Can you notice your negative relationship cycle?
The trigger
A small moment – a look, a tone, or undone chores —signals a loss of connection. Your brain’s “attachment alarm” goes off: Are you there for me?
The Protest / Pursuing
To deal with the fear of losing you, one partner “pursues.” It feels like criticism or anger, but it’s actually a desperate plea to be seen and heard.
The Withdrawal / Defending
Feeling overwhelmed or “not enough,” the other partner pulls away. They go silent or stay busy to avoid more conflict. Under the surface, they are protecting the relationship by hiding.
The loop
The more one partner pushes for connection, the more the other withdraws to stay safe. You’re caught in a loop where everyone feels alone, and no one wins.
Sylwia Latacz
Psychologist | Couples Therapist
I like to work with the EFT -Emotionally Focused Therapy approach. I hold monthly “Hold Me Tight” groups for couples.
Piotr Szmyt
ISTDP Therapist | Couples Therapist
My approach to couples combines dynamic therapy and ISTDP. I value empathy, clarity and timely confrontation.
Couples Therapy Therapists
Therapy Lisbon Team
Together we bring a powerful set of tools, approaches and therapeutic experience.
where there's a will, there is a way
Therapeutic Approaches We Use In Couples Therapy: EFT, Gotam, dynamic therapy
In our team we bring together a wide range of training, education and therapeutic approaches. Thanks to our team supervision we can draw from each other’s experience to better help our couples. Some of our favorite approaches:
EFT
Emotionally-Focused Therapy
Gotman's Method
We draw from Gotman's research. His method is known for great tools!
Psychodynamic therapy
We are trained to listen "psychodynamically" for latent content. Ex. "You need to earn more!" = "Where are you?"
CBT
We are inspired by cognitive-behavioral therapy so be sure you will get some homework!
couples therapy lisbon
Favorite master relationship therapists!
We were trained by exceptionally talented therapists. We learned from many good teachers and got inspired by outstanding authors. We aspire to apply their attitude, perspective and tools in a skillful manner.
Josette ten Have-de Labije
ISTDP Teacher
Our favorite teacher! 50+ years of experience! Bringing ISTDP to couples work. Thanks to Josette we have more clarity on what’s going on in couples dynamics.
Sue Johnson
EFT Author
Thanks to Sue Johnson we know much more about couples and attachment. Her book “Hold me tight” inspired our couples training group! Listen to her and you will learn a great deal – link.
Orna Guralnik
Psychoanlist
Great author, therapist and a TV star! Best known for her Couples Therapy Show. Watching it with your partner can be a great place to start.
John Gottman
Gottman Method Therapy
Author of the famous Gottman’s method and founder of Gottman’s Institute.
if you need support don't hesitate
If you are looking for couples counseling, email us your questions
- therapist@psychotherapylisbon.com
- Couples Therapy Lisbon | Rua Pinheiro Chagas 32 1050-053 | Lisbon
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Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or the unique challenges of being an expat in Lisbon, understanding the various types of treatment can help you feel more confident about starting your journey. Read more about schools of therapy.
At Psychotherapy Lisbon, we highly prioritize continuous professional development. Therefore, we actively participate in various advanced therapeutic training, psychotherapy schools, and specialized courses. Learn more about our therapists!
OUR TEAM HAS A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALIZATIONS
Clinical Specializations in Relationship Therapy
Area of expertise
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Infidelity therapy
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Marriage counseling
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Child loss and miscarriage
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Premarital counseling
Couples sexuality
Issues around child care
Divorce counseling
- Mediation
Specialized Therapeutic Methods
EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
ISTDP (Intense Short-Term Dynamic Therapy)
Schema & Integrative Therapy
Interpersonal & Communication Training
Expat Support
Multicultural Therapy: Understanding the unique psychological nuances of living abroad and in multicultural couples
Hybrid & Online Therapy: Flexible sessions (in-person in Lisbon or secure online video) to fit your international lifestyle.
Couples Counseling: Professional English-speaking therapy for expats.
SUMMARY
Couples therapy provides a supportive space for partners to engage in conversations that may feel too difficult to navigate alone. In our work together, we’ll explore the unique patterns and interactions that may be contributing to a sense of distance or disconnection.
In our sessions we will uncover the deeper emotions that often lie beneath the surface of these dynamics. By recognizing and expressing these emotions with each other, you can enhance your communication, deepen your understanding, and find new pathways toward re-connection and a stronger, more enduring relationship.
This form of therapy can be beneficial at any point in your relationship, whether you’re facing ongoing conflict, emotional distance, challenges around intimacy, the impact of an affair, or stress from outside circumstances.
We are inspired by EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for Couples, Systemic Therapy and work of Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. John Gottman.
Couple sessions take place once per week/once per 2 weeks – depending on the couple’s current situation. One sessions lasts 80 minutes and costs 115 EUR.