Family Therapy and Couple Therapy
Family therapy and Couple therapy are forms of therapy in which a
couple works with a therapist in order to facilitate change in their
relationship. The aim of the therapy is resolve the issues of the couple and facilitate
an observation of the relational patterns that might underpin some of the
difficulties in the couple’s relationship. Some families might go to therapy in
order to change and improve their relationships whereas others might seek
couples’ therapy in order to consider a decision to separate.
There might be several indications for seeking couples’ therapy
such as difficulties with communication, sexual problems, issues of trust, or
frequent arguments. The therapeutic approach used by the therapist will depend
mainly on the presenting problems of the couple though often a schema therapy
approach can be a useful foundation for understanding relational difficulties.
Couples’ therapy can be short term if the couple wish to work on a
specific concern in their relationship. The therapist will develop a specific
and tailor made treatment plan with the couple they are working with following
two or three sessions of an initial assessment and the development of a
formulation of the couple’s difficulties. Following the development of a
formulation therapy will aim to change the nature of the interactions so that
the couple’s problems improve.
What can I expect if I receive couples’ therapy?
The number of sessions you will need will depend on the nature of
the presenting difficulties so your therapist will make a plan with you after
the first few sessions.
Exploring painful subjects in couples’ therapy can be challenging
for couples but can be extremely helpful in understanding relational dynamics
and where things might be stuck.
Your therapist is likely to make concrete suggestions and give you
homework tasks to do on your own or with your partner between sessions.
Being open about the difficulties you have with each other and
motivated to make changes will improve the speed of improvements in the
relationship.