Welcome to My Practice
Transforming Lives Through Connection and Healing
PACT Couples Therapy
PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) is a cutting-edge approach developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin. What sets PACT apart is its integration of interpersonal neurobiology, focusing on the brain and nervous system dynamics within relationships. Here’s how PACT can benefit couples:
- Moment-to-Moment Awareness: In PACT, we pay close attention to micro-expressions, body language, and voice tone. By tuning into these subtle shifts, couples learn to understand each other deeply.
- Real-Time Problem Solving: During sessions, we recreate real-life relationship challenges. Together, we work through issues as they arise, fostering growth and connection.
- Efficiency: PACT often requires fewer sessions than other couple therapies, making it an effective choice for busy lives.
PACT Couples Therapy
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), developed by Dr. Habib Davanloo, is a powerful tool for personal transformation. Here’s why ISTDP can benefit you:
- Emotional Blockage Resolution: ISTDP helps you identify and process blocked emotions. By addressing the root causes, we unlock emotional freedom.
- Focused, Intense Work: ISTDP dives deep into your emotional patterns. We explore your defenses, coping mechanisms, and unconscious strategies moment by moment.
- Quick Results: Unlike traditional talk therapy, ISTDP leads to significant improvements in a relatively short time. It is about experiencing emotions, not just talking about htem
Meet Beth
As a seasoned psychotherapist with 27 years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals and couples thrive. My practice, based in Durham, NC. I offer specialized therapies that can make a profound impact on your life.
Credentials
Credentials: I hold a master’s degree in social work from Augsburg College (Minneapolis) and completed post-graduate work at UNC in addictions treatment.
Training: I’ve trained extensively at the PACT Institute for seven years and received over three years of ISTDP training with Dr. Allan Abbass and Dr. Joel Town.
Inclusivity
I welcome individuals and couples from all backgrounds—religious, sexual, gender, and racial. Your uniqueness enriches our therapeutic journey.
Client Testimonials
Beth Newton and I connected several years ago when we discovered, as couples therapists, that we were both implementing the PACT model of couples therapy. Through the years, we have consulted with each other and led professional trainings in the Triangle. Co-facilitating relationship workshops with Beth is a pleasure. She is very dedicated to her clients and is always seeking ways to help them learn and grow. Beth is the rare therapist who is both bold and gentle, warm and challenging. I often refer clients to Beth, feeling confident that they will receive excellent treatment from a clinician with the utmost integrity and wisdom.
Common Questions
Do you just see couples?
No, I have 15 years of experience working with adults and parents. I help people work on: sexual issues, dating issues, mid-life transitions, anxiety challenges, and trauma.
What age range do you see?
High school age through adulthood.
What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Counseling is assistance that helps you explore ad resolve psychological, social, or emotional issues.
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental “disorders”.
Psychiatry is practiced by a medical doctor who evaluates the need for medication and prescribes it when needed.
Referrals for medication or testing can be made if it is helpful for better therapy outcomes.
What can I expect in the first session?
Counseling is assistance that helps you explore ad resolve psychological, social, or emotional issues.
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental “disorders”.
Psychiatry is practiced by a medical doctor who evaluates the need for medication and prescribes it when needed.
Referrals for medication or testing can be made if it is helpful for better therapy outcomes.
How long are follow up sessions?
- Individual sessions are 53 minutes
- Couples sessions are 110 minutes
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations with less than 24-hour notice will be charged a full session fee.
Do you take insurance?
I do not accept insurance. I am an Out-of-Network provider. I can provide you with a superbill that includes a diagnosis you can use to file your insurance.
I cannot guarantee if or how much your insurance company will reimburse you.
I do not take insurance for the following reasons:
- Most insurance companies do not cover couples counseling
- All insurance companies require a diagnosis
- Insurance companies can deny you or me payment
- Insurance companies can make treatment decisions about your care with little knowledge of you
- A diagnosis can have unintended consequences over the life span
- To protect your privacy
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept checks, cash, HSA cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Do you provide faith-based counseling?
I am religious and practice daily meditation. However, I am not a faith based counselor. If your faith is important to your daily life, we incorporate it in to our work.
What is your training?
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Augsburg College. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 20 years. In 2013, I completed post-graduate work at UNC Chapel Hill. I have been a licensed clinical addiction specialist (LCAS) since 2014.
I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Complex Trauma, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Sex Therapy with Dr. Stephanie Buehler, and PACT therapy for couples with Dr. Stan Tatkin.