Articles on Family of Origin
These articles refer to the process of clarifying and investigating the sometimes complex dynamics that played out in the family in which we grew up. We can explore our remembered experiences of parents and silings, and also sometimes other members of the extended family (for example, grandparents). By bringing some of these experiences into a clearer awareness we gain relief from symptoms.

A Model Both Old and New Here’s a model that can help in understanding depression, addictions and self-esteem issues. The model’s both old and new, deriving from ancient reflective practices, as well as from Jung and beyond, up to contemporary psychotherapy. Although the model may not be the one answer to (for example) substance addiction […] Read more
Therapy Duo April 5, 2014 
Couple Bubble The term couple bubble is gaining currency in couples work. Stan Tatkin, in his book Wired for Love (which we recommend to couples) defines it as: …the mutually constructed membrane, cocoon, or womb that holds a couple together and protects each partner from outside elements. The couple bubble is built on a set […] Read more
Therapy Duo September 28, 2013 
Couple Dynamics Don’t come to see us as a couple if you want us to take sides and decide who’s right and who’s wrong! We never see couples issues as one person’s fault. They’re a dynamic between two people, and if the dynamic continues to reoccur then both people need to see their part in […] Read more
Therapy Duo December 11, 2012 
Narcissistic Wounding We spoke in a recent article about Narcissistic Wounding in the couple relationship, and how learning to withstand this wounding can be a powerful way of transforming a relationship. The artist Louise Bourgeois had a deep understanding of narcissism, as evidenced by the rich art works she made over many years. In these […] Read more

Sleeping with our Expectations Are we sleeping with our expectations of our partner? Have we made up a day-to-day story of what we need from our partner? Have we made any hidden deals with them, to make ourselves feel safe, to complete or fix an old story? (We’re using “sleeping” here as a metaphor for a […] Read more