Zoe Clews & Associates

Maintaining a romantic relationship can be challenging, like caring for a car. Regular upkeep is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly. Therefore, if you notice any issues, promptly addressing them is essential to prevent further complications.

Sometimes, we can handle essential maintenance and repairs in our relationships ourselves. However, when more complex issues arise, seeking help from a licensed professional may be the best course of action.

Couples therapy is a behavioural therapy that aims to enhance relationship satisfaction and promote effective conflict resolution between partners. Whether conducted in person or online, the goal of a counsellor is to foster a healthy relationship and address any underlying issues that may be impacting the couple's well-being.

Couples therapy, also called talk therapy, is a type of psychotherapy involving a licensed therapist with clinical expertise, often an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), working with couples in romantic relationships.

In couples therapy, partners gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflicts, and enhance relationship satisfaction using a range of therapeutic interventions. The techniques used in behavioural relationship counselling may vary depending on the therapist's experience and the couple's needs. However, most approaches typically include the following key elements:

• Focusing on a specific problem, such as sexual difficulties, Internet addiction, intimacy, or jealousy.
  
  
• Encouraging active participation from both partners, with the therapist treating the relationship as a whole rather than each individual separately.
  
  
• Utilizing solution-focused and change-oriented interventions early on in the therapy process.
  
  
• Establishing clear objectives to guide the therapy sessions.
  
  
  

What are the benefits of couple's therapy?

Couples therapy has the potential to transform your relationship, enabling both partners to experience happiness, fulfilment, and satisfaction. Other benefits of this type of therapy include:

• Improved communication skills
  
  Couples therapy can teach you how to communicate in healthier and more effective ways.
  
  
• Strengthened bond
  A strong bond between partners fosters a sense of unity and teamwork, providing support and empowerment to tackle challenges together.
  
  
• Rebuilt trust
  Trust is a crucial foundation for any healthy relationship. Whether it has been broken or needs to be deepened, emotionally focused therapy can help you build or regain trust in each other.
  
  
• Improved relationship dynamic
  Attempting to resolve relationship issues independently can be stressful, frustrating, and time-consuming. By seeking the guidance of a therapist, you can improve your relationship dynamic in a shorter period than if you tried to do it alone.
  
  

What should you expect during a couple's therapy?

During couples therapy, you can expect to work collaboratively with a licensed therapist who will guide you and your partner through conversations and exercises to improve your relationship. Here are some things you can expect during a typical couples therapy session:

Initial Assessment
The therapist will typically begin by gathering information about your relationship, such as how long you've been together, the current issues you're facing, and any history that may be relevant.

Identifying Goals
The therapist will work with you and your partner to identify specific goals for therapy, such as improving communication, resolving conflicts, or rebuilding trust.

Communication Exercises
Communication is a key component of any healthy relationship, and the therapist may lead you through various exercises designed to help you and your partner communicate more effectively.

Conflict Resolution Strategies
The therapist may also teach you and your partner specific strategies for resolving conflicts, such as active listening, compromising, or taking a break when emotions run high.

Homework Assignments
The therapist may also assign homework between sessions, such as practising active listening or having a date night, to help reinforce what you've learned in therapy.

Follow-up Sessions
You can expect regular follow-up sessions to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your therapy plan.

Remember, couples therapy is a collaborative process, and both partners should be willing to actively participate and commit to making positive changes for the therapy to be effective.

© Zoe Clews & Associates