Couple's therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can help you and your partner improve your relationship. You can address many relationship issues in couple’s therapy, such as infidelity, recurring conflicts, or problems you may face due to external factors. However, couple's therapy is not limited to treating problems; any couple can visit a therapist to learn tools to communicate their needs better.
How does couple’s therapy work?
There are many approaches to couple's therapy, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which works on improving attachment and bonding between you and your partner, Gottman method, a method known to help identify the issue and empower a couple with the tools to help them develop their own problem-solving skills.
Another approach is Ellen Wachtel's approach which focuses on the positive aspects of a relationship and self-reflection rather than blame. With this approach, the therapist will begin to get to know you and your partner. Then they will help you identify your feelings. After that, you can take a deep dive into the issues while remaining focused on solutions. You will learn tools such as anger management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Can you do couple’s therapy alone?
Yes, if your partner is unwilling to go with you, you can do couple's therapy on your own. Keep in mind the following: communication is the root of the problem. It would be helpful to ask your spouse why they do not wish to participate without judgment or threats. Only ask them for their reasons.
If you go for couple's therapy alone, know that you are not there to fix your spouse but to gain insight and work on yourself. You can take the techniques you will learn from your therapist and discuss them with your spouse. If you see their curiosity peaking, try to nurture that curiosity. Your spouse might eventually decide to come along, even if it is to meet your therapist.
Can couple’s therapy help if my partner is distressed or depressed?
Depression, anxiety, and other adult psychological problems frequently occur in couple's therapy sessions. It is among the most frequent complaints that are presented to a marital therapist (Northey, 2002). If your spouse has a mental illness, it is essential to set boundaries for yourself and not over-exude your energy to make up for your partner, as this will lead to burnout. It is important to get help for the individual along with the couple’s therapist's help.
When it comes to children, it is important to consider visiting a family therapist who will treat the family as a unit, or a child specialist who will treat the children separately from the parents.
In conclusion, visiting a couple's therapist is wise for any couple seeking to gain more awareness and heal their relationship. It is an excellent step for newlyweds or new relationships that will help you get to know your partner in a healthy manner. It will give you tools for communication, self-reflection, conflict resolution, and many other skills. If you feel that couple's therapy is the right step to take, you are welcome to visit our www.saayahealth.com to start your couple's therapy today.
