Couples Counselling
Couples or Relationship therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist with clinical experience working with couples, helps two people involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. Couples therapy supports both partners to open up and examine the problems that are causing pain. Although the practice of couples therapy may vary depending on the therapist’s theoretical orientation, all couples therapy tends to involve the following general elements:
- A focus on a specific problem (i.e. communication issues,sexual difficulties, Internet addiction, jealousy, fidelity)
- Active participation on the part of the therapist in focusing on the relationship itself, rather than each individual separately.
- Solution-focused, change-oriented interventions.
- A clear establishment of the objectives and goals of couples counselling..
Couples therapy will usually begin with some standard interview questions regarding the history of the relationship as well as some exploration into each partner’s family-of-origin, values and cultural background. The therapist might use the initial sessions for crisis intervention if necessary.