The Various Types of Couples Therapy Strategies

When seeking a couples therapist, what you may not know is that therapists are trained in various types of clinical practice. A therapist will carefully research and determine the right type of clinical practice they may choose to focus on. In some cases, you may not even realize the type of couples therapy strategies your therapist may be accessing. Choosing a couples therapist can be key to rebuilding your relationship by improving upon communication. There are a variety of counseling techniques you may experience should you engage in couples therapy, including:

  • Gottman Method

The Gottman Method seeks to improve communication by reducing the conflict a couple may experience when communicating. When couples are feeling stagnant in their relationships, the Gottman Method will work to reduce conflict, increase intimacy, and the connection between each other. If you and your partner are struggling to communicate, riddled with conflict and need to improve upon the physical and sexual connection in your relationship; The Gottman Method may be right for you. 

  • Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy helps to shift the perspective you may have about your partner. This form of therapy works to separate the problem from the person by narrating the challenges you may be facing. This can provide you and your partner with a better understanding and a different outlook surrounding a variety of different issues. 

  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Emotionally focused couples therapy is a form of therapy that can be used with both couples and families. This form of therapy works to shift a person’s emotional response and  supports the bond between you and your partner.This form of therapy has been successful for clients over the years, especially by those who are fully committed to repairing their relationship.

  • Positive Psychology

Positive psychology focuses on the occurrences of positive emotions. Additionally positive psychology looks to identify these positive emotions or experiences in the moment rather than after they have already occured. This form of treatment can help people to live in the moment and focus on the positives that are occuring in their lives. 

Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Seeking couples therapy doesn’t mean that your relationship has failed. In fact, many people with strong relationships make the decision to engage in couples therapy. Being in relationship with someone whom you love can be incredibly challenging. Because of this, it can be incredibly challenging to maintain that relationship. Relationships can have their fair share of ups and downs. Even if your relationship is in a relatively good space, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still tend to it. Seeking therapy can not only help to repair issues, but to strengthen the connection you have between one another. Common reasons people may choose to seek couples therapy may include: 

  • Difficulty Communicating
  • Infidelity
  • Intimacy Issues
  • Relationship Challenges
  • Constant Conflict
  • Trust Issues

A therapist can help to apply their experience and training to therapy sessions with you and your partner. They are well aware of how emotionally fueled couples therapy can be. You need a trained therapist by your side to assist you and your partner in working through the challenges you are experiencing as a couple. Contact a therapist so that they may schedule an intake with you and your partner. 

 

Source: Couples Counseling McLean, VA, Lindsay Hoskins & Associates