What is Te Kore Puna-Rua?
Te Kore Puna-Rua is a closed group designed for couples who want to explore and deepen their relationship through a new experiential approach. Using psychodrama techniques and our Heart Theory Model, Te Kore Puna-Rua offers a unique opportunity to understand and transform the dynamics within relationships. The group is facilitated by Diane Mowat (Registered Gestalt Psychotherapist) and Wendy Ellis (Trainee Psychodramist and Mental Health and Addiction Counsellor).
Read on to discover the story of Jasmin and Fran and their participation in Te Kore Puna-Rua, which played a pivotal role in strengthening their relationship.
Jasmin and Fran have been together for seven years and married for four. Throughout their relationship, they’ve shared a strong bond, enjoying outdoor activities, traveling, and taking on home renovation projects together.
However, it wasn’t until they joined Te Kore Puna-Rua that they truly began to understand each other and themselves in new ways. The group has proven to be a game-changer for them, providing valuable tools and insights that have helped improve their communication, manage conflict more effectively, and uncover the deeper roots of some of the challenges in their relationship. The experience has been eye-opening, bringing them closer and fostering growth both individually and as a couple.
Fran: I was the one who first suggested the idea to Jasmin. I knew I needed help expressing myself better, especially in difficult moments. I wanted to learn how to navigate conflict in a healthier way and stop letting my emotions get the best of me. After hearing about the group, I felt it could give me the tools to do just that. And I’m so glad we joined together. The support and guidance we’ve received have been invaluable. We’ve learned so much about ourselves and our relationship, and we’re both still part of the group because we want to continue growing.
Jasmin: When Fran brought it up, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I wanted to see what the group could offer me as well. I thought it could help me not only support Fran on his healing journey but also help me with my own. And I’m so grateful we took the leap. The group became a safe space for both of us to share, learn, and grow.
Jasmin: The Heart Theory Model was one of the most important takeaways from the group. The Heart Theory Model helped me understand the emotional triggers and self-doubts I’ve carried with me. It made me realize that when conflict arises, it’s not always about my partner intentionally trying to hurt me. It’s about how we both react based on past experiences, and understanding that has helped me manage my emotions better in tough situations.
Fran: I struggled with some of the concepts of the Heart Theory Model at first because it felt overwhelming, but over time, I could see how it applied to my own reactions. It made me aware of why I would get defensive or shut down in conflict. I started to realize that it wasn’t about Jasmin—it was something within me that needed addressing.
Jasmin: Another key part of the group for both of us was the Psychodrama technique. I didn’t participate in the Psychodrama right away because I was nervous, but watching Fran and others go through it was incredible. I could see how much it helped Fran and others work through deep-rooted emotions. It’s like it gave them a space to release old wounds they didn’t even realize they were still carrying.
Fran: The Psychodrama was eye-opening for me. It helped me confront things I’d buried for a long time, things from my past that I hadn’t fully processed. It was tough, but it gave me the clarity I needed to understand how my past actions had affected others—and how I could make changes in my present to heal those wounds. It was emotional, but it was also empowering.
Jasmin: Since participating in the group, we have both noticed positive shifts in our relationship. We don’t let things fester like we used to. After conflict, we’re able to repair things a lot faster. We’ve learned to communicate calmly, identify how we feel, and share those feelings without the other person becoming defensive. It’s been a huge shift for us.
Fran: I’ve learned to slow down in those intense moments. I used to react quickly, but now I pause and check in with myself before responding. I’m more aware of what’s going on inside me when things get heated. It’s given me a lot more control over how I respond.
Jasmin: I’ve stopped deflecting my feelings onto Fran or others around me. I used to do that a lot, but now I take responsibility for my emotions and try to process them before reacting. I feel stronger in this area than I did before.
Fran: I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel what I’m feeling, but I can also choose how I respond to it. The group taught me that when I’m triggered, it’s important to take a step back and assess what’s really going on, instead of just reacting.
Jasmin: The support from the other couples in the group has also been a major factor in our growth. Hearing others share their struggles made us realize that we’re not alone in our journey. We’re all facing similar challenges, and hearing those stories has helped us feel less isolated. It’s been really reassuring to know that we’re not the only ones working through these things.
Fran: What stood out to me the most is that there’s no judgment in the group. Everyone is open and honest, and there’s a real sense of support. Everyone is there to help and offer whatever guidance they can, and that’s been huge for me. It helped me feel more comfortable opening up.
Jasmin: We are both committed to continuing the work we’ve started in the group. We’re making sure we keep communication open. We’re committed to working through any issues that come up in a calm and respectful way. The tools we’ve learned in the group have made a huge difference, and we’re not letting go of that.
Fran: I’ll do whatever I can to keep nurturing our relationship. The group has helped me realize the importance of emotional awareness and how much it affects the way we interact with each other. I’m committed to doing the work to make sure we keep growing together.
Their journey through Te Kore Puna-Rua has not only strengthened their bond but also empowered them to approach challenges in their relationship with deeper understanding and empathy. They’ve learned valuable lessons about communication, emotional awareness, and personal growth, and they’re excited to continue applying these tools as they move forward together.
