Developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin, PACT is a fusion of attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation. PACT has a reputation for effectively treating the most challenging couples.

PACT was developed out of cutting-edge research in three areas:

• Neuroscience: The study of the human brain. Understanding how the brain works provides a physiological basis for understanding how people act and react within relationships. In a nutshell, some areas of your brain are wired to reduce threat and danger and seek security, while others are geared to establish mutuality and loving connection.

• Attachment Theory: The explanation for the biological need to bond with others. Experiences in early relationships create a blueprint that informs the sense of safety and security you bring to adult relationships. Insecurities that have been carried through life can wreak havoc for a couple if these issues are not resolved.

• Biology of Human Arousal: The moment-to-moment ability to manage one’s energy, alertness, and readiness to engage.

Your experience during a PACT session may differ somewhat from what you would experience in other forms of couple therapy. Key features of this approach include:

• I will focus on moment-to-moment shifts in your face, body, and voice, and ask you to pay close attention to these as a couple.

• I will create experiences similar to those troubling your relationship and help you work through them in real time during the session.

• PACT tends to require fewer sessions than do other forms of couple therapy.

• PACT sessions often are longer than other sessions. This allow for the in-depth work of PACT.

I have completed both levels one and two of PACT.

• PACT Level 1 is the foundational course in the PACT training program. In it I learned the underlying principles and solid skills that PACT is known for. I also learned the critical building blocks for advanced study and becoming a successful PACT therapist. While a foundational course, PACT Level 1 is still a rigorous training program. I completed a number of reading assignments and videos to watch even before the first meeting. i also completed assignments between course modules. These required assignments allowed me to clarify my understanding of PACT principles and participate more meaningfully while in the live training with instructors and colleagues.

• In PACT Level 2 training I learned more advanced skills and increased my confidence while integrating PACT into my clinical practice. Building on what I learned in Level 1, I was able to gain new insight, hone my assessment strategies and intervention techniques, and learn when and how to work more deeply with the most conflicted couples.