What is Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is an alternative form of treatment that involves working with a trained therapist to help you and your partner work through issues that are impacting your relationship. It can help you overcome conflicts and improve your communication skills.
couples therapy, also called marital or relationship therapy, is a type of mental health treatment that focuses on improving romantic relationships and resolving interpersonal conflict. It can be helpful for both long-term and short-term problems.
It is always better to address relationship issues before they worsen. A therapist can help you determine if your relationship is in need of some work and recommend what steps to take next.
What is Couples Therapy and How Does it Help?
Whether you need a short-term or long-term therapist, it is important to choose someone who is experienced in treating couples and has advanced training. Look for a therapist who has a background in couples counseling and is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). Ask about their experience with your specific situation and see if they are a good fit.
A couple’s first appointment with their therapist will involve an intake where they will be asked about why they are seeking counseling and other related details. This will give the therapist a chance to learn about your current concerns and make an assessment of your relationship, says Michael McNulty, PhD, LCSW, director of the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Relationship Wellness.
A therapist will help you and your partner identify the significant issues that are affecting your relationship. They will also assist you in setting goals to improve your current situations and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
During therapy sessions, a therapist will try to encourage each partner to be more open and honest with their partner about their thoughts and feelings. This is a good way to break down the “me versus them” mentality in your relationship and create trust, says Espinoza.
The therapist should provide a safe space for both partners to talk about their feelings and discuss what is going on in the relationship. This may include talking about childhood experiences or other aspects of your life that are causing relationship distress, according to Mueller.
A therapist should encourage each couple to participate in activities or assignments outside of therapy that will help them resolve the problems they are facing in the relationship. For example, a therapist might have the couple read a self-help book together or write in a journal about their feelings.
The therapist might also have the couple write a letter to their parent or other significant figure in their lives about their current concerns. This is a good way for the couple to express their emotions in a healthy way and to receive feedback about their behavior.
