Couples Counselling

Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help couples improve their relationship and resolve conflicts. This type of therapy can benefit couples who are experiencing a range of issues, including communication difficulties, infidelity, parenting conflicts, and sexual dysfunction. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of couples therapy, and the findings suggest that it can be an effective treatment for many couples.

Couples Therapy


History of Couples Therapy

Couples therapy has been around for almost a century. In the early 1900s, couples therapy was primarily focused on individual psychoanalysis, with therapists treating one partner at a time. However, as time went on, therapists realized that treating only one partner was not effective in treating the relationship as a whole. As a result, couples therapy began to evolve into a specialized field of psychotherapy.


Types of Couples Therapy

There are several types of couples therapy that a therapist may use to help a couple improve their relationship. Some of the most common types of couples therapy include:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a form of couples therapy that focuses on the emotional bond between partners. This type of therapy helps couples to identify their underlying emotions and feelings and teaches them how to express them in a more healthy and constructive manner.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In couples therapy, CBT can help couples to identify negative thought patterns that are contributing to their relationship problems and teach them how to replace them with more positive ones.

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) is a form of therapy that combines elements of behavioral therapy and emotion-focused therapy. This type of therapy focuses on helping couples to develop new communication skills and to learn how to express their emotions in a healthy way.

The Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is a form of couples therapy that is based on the work of John and Julie Gottman. This type of therapy focuses on improving communication and reducing conflict in the relationship. The Gottman Method emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of friendship and trust in the relationship.


Effectiveness of Couples Therapy

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of couples therapy. A meta-analysis conducted by Lebow and colleagues (2012) found that couples therapy was effective in treating a range of relationship issues, including communication problems, infidelity, and parenting conflicts. The authors of the meta-analysis found that couples therapy was effective for approximately 70% of couples.

In addition to the Lebow et al. (2012) meta-analysis, several other studies have found that couples therapy is an effective treatment for relationship issues. For example, a study conducted by Christensen and Jacobson (1994) found that couples therapy was effective in improving marital adjustment and intimacy (Davoodvandi, et al., 2018). A survey conducted by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy found that over 97% of the couples queried indicated that they found couples therapy helpful and 93% of them said they learned useful tools for managing conflict in their relationship.


How Couples Therapy Works

Couples therapy typically involves several sessions with a therapist. During these sessions, the therapist will work with the couple to identify their relationship issues and to develop a plan to address them. The therapist may use a variety of techniques and strategies to help the couple improve their relationship, such as teaching communication skills, helping the couple to identify and express their emotions, and helping the couple to develop a deeper understanding of each other.

Couples therapy is often a collaborative process, with the therapist and the couple working together to develop a plan that is tailored to the couple's specific needs.

The therapist may assign homework assignments for the couple to complete between sessions, such as practicing active listening or engaging in a specific type of communication exercise. The aim of these assignments is to help the couple build and strengthen their relationship skills outside of the therapy sessions.

Research has shown that couples therapy can be an effective treatment for a range of relationship problems. A study published in the Journal of Family Therapy found that couples therapy was effective in improving relational matters, individual mental health and enhanced coping abilities (Lundblad & Hanson, 2006). Another study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that couples therapy was effective in reducing conflict and improving relationship quality for couples experiencing marital distress (Lebow, Chambers, Christensen, & Johnson, 2012).

However, not all couples therapy approaches are equally effective for all couples. Different approaches may be more suitable for different types of problems or couples. For example, some couples may benefit more from emotion-focused therapy, which aims to help couples identify and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Other couples may benefit more from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to relationship problems.

It is also important to note that couples therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some couples may need longer or more frequent sessions, while others may need a more intensive approach such as a couples retreat. Additionally, some couples may benefit from individual therapy in addition to couples therapy to address individual issues that are impacting the relationship.

In summary, couples therapy can be an effective treatment for a range of relationship problems. The therapist can help the couple improve their communication and conflict resolution skills, build emotional intimacy, and strengthen their relationship overall. The key to success is finding the right therapist and approach for the couple's specific needs. By working together, the couple can create a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationship.

Couples counselling is not just for couples who are struggling with serious relationship issues. Even couples who are generally happy and satisfied with their relationship can benefit from therapy. Couples therapy can help couples deepen their connection, improve their communication, and build a more fulfilling relationship.

If you are considering couples counselling, it is important to choose a therapist who has experience and training in working with couples. Look for a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has at least a Masters Degree and a good reputation in your community. Some therapists have a specialized training in a particular type of couples therapy such as Emotionally Focused Therapy or Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Some couples therapists may even have a degree in marriage and family therapy. You may also want to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had positive experiences with couples therapy.

Couples counselling is a valuable resource for any couple who wants to improve their relationship. It can help couples learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. If you are struggling with relationship issues, consider seeking the help of one of our therapists who specialize in working with couples.

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