ABSTRACT
Intimate relationships are important and mysterious – for both couples and therapists alike. People are wired for connection, yet a challenge for couples is maintaining emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual connection. In fact, many conflicts are the result of disconnection. Therapists are expected to defuse conflicts and facilitate connections between partners. The ORCA-Stance provides a blueprint for how to deepen and maintain connection with in-session and between session exercises; modeling and reinforcing mutuality; practicing five elements for rediscovering curiosity; and addressing power dynamics. A case study also examines one couple’s experience with the ORCA-Stance in therapy and best practices are offered.
