Couples Therapy
Did you know that roughly half of all married couples have attended couples counseling at some point during their relationship and approximately seventy to ninety percent of participants report improvement in their partnership as well as in their own individual emotional health and wellbeing? Couples may engage in therapy together for a myriad of reasons; the most common motivations being to rebuild trust after infidelity or another betrayal, develop better communication skills, and learn to better navigate financial strain and other stressors. Nevertheless, couples therapy offers a plethora of possibilities for different types of relationships utilizing a variety of modalities and techniques.
Couples Therapy Modalities
The most popular modalities used in couples therapy include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT). EFT is centered on attachment and bonding between each partner as well as patterns within the relationship that act as barriers to connection. The Gottman Method explores conflict resolution, prioritizing the development of problem-solving skills, ways to repair, and strengthening intimacy and companionship. CBCT, much like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals, focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns that are connected to and engender unsupportive behaviors.
Couples Therapy Principles
Another therapeutic approach, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), asserts there are five core couples therapy principles. According to Dr. Lisa Benson, couples therapy should focus on changing the view of the relationship, modifying dysfunctional behavior, decreasing emotional avoidance, improving communication, and promoting strengths. These research-based interventions enable the couple to learn to shift towards constructive and supportive collaboration that leads to sustainable safety, trust, and long-lasting positive change.
Couples Therapy Benefits
Couples therapy can provide immense benefits to relationships. Couples who have attended couples therapy often report improved clarity on roles within their relationship as well as shared values, enhanced intimacy and quality time spent together, better ability to navigate external stressors, increased understanding of one another, elevated communication skills, greater conflict resolution and repair, and a significant boost in overall relationship satisfaction. While couples therapy is a beneficial tool, it may still be important for partners within the couple to seek their own individual therapy as well. Because couples therapy is solely focused on the relationship itself, it is imperative for individuals to have space in their own therapy sessions to explore and process patterns, experiences, and feelings influencing not only their own wellbeing but also their relationships with others. If you or someone you know is interested in starting couples therapy or individual therapy, please reach out to Embrace Therapy to consult with a mental health therapist or gain access to additional resources.
