“Having a physically visible vision board can help remind you of your shared desires and goals for when you are having issues within the relationship,” Louis says. If you’re dealing with a particular issue, experiencing burnout, or trying to work toward a specific goal, solution-focused therapy is a model to consider.Īccording to the Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy, the practice is “a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than dwelling on problems.”Ĭouples therapy exercises and activities 7. Helen LaKelly Hunt in 1980, emphasizes the connection between adult relationships and childhood experiences.īy understanding childhood trauma, the therapy is aimed at making couples more empathetic and understanding of one another. Imago relationship therapy, developed by Dr. It provides live workshops and take-home training materials for couples, but many therapists have also trained using the Gottman Institute’s methods. The Gottman Institute has more than 40 years of research under its belt. It may also help with other issues, such as intimacy and marital adjustment. The technique is designed to help couples deepen their understanding of one another while managing conflict in their relationship. The Gottman Method is a popular method practiced among couples therapists. “These couples often believe that they’re subject to this romantic pitfall and emotional trauma because they have been a ‘failure’ from the start and it is what they ‘deserve,’” Nabil says. According to a 2016 study, it has even been shown to decrease conflict and increase cooperation among couples. Narrative therapy may be helpful for couples who feel like their relationship is failing due to both of their faults. “There will always be inconsistencies and contradictions,” says Sam Nabil, the CEO and lead therapist at Naya Clinics. This can help them see that no single story can possibly encapsulate the totality of their experience. The practice of narrative therapy revolves around people describing their problems in narrative form and rewriting their stories. People “learn and utilize techniques to heal or create safe and secure attachments within the relationship,” she explains. The goal is for couples “to identify maladaptive patterns within the relationship that are interfering with secure bonds and attachments,” says Ansley Campbell, a clinical director at The Summit Wellness Group. Many therapists use a method called emotionally focused therapy (EFT), which has been shown to facilitate long lasting behavior changes. “When couples take turns being active listeners, it boosts healthy communication skills as well as conflict resolution skills for the couple,” Louis says. For example, say “I feel hurt when you do ” instead of “You’re wrong for doing. Use “I” phrases instead of “you” statements. “Reflective listening is a highly beneficial exercise where the couple take turns being active listeners,” says Laura Louis, a licensed psychologist at Atlanta Couple Therapy. When committing to couples therapy, come with an open mind, and be ready to break down the barriers of communication.Ĭouples therapy techniques 1. Annie Hsueh, PhD, of Hope and Sage Psychological Services. “Couples can form a more secure bond with one another and be able to have vulnerable conversations without pushing the other person away,” says Dr. Couples therapy can help anyone in a relationship, regardless of demographics, like sexual orientation and age. Like any form of therapy, couples counseling requires a commitment and willingness to open up from both involved parties.Īccording to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, more than 98 percent of its clients surveyed reported marriage and family therapy services as good or excellent.Ĭounseling doesn’t have to be a guarded practice reserved for any “type” of person. Certain types of counselors are also specifically trained to work with couples, including marriage and family therapists. In couples therapy, a licensed counselor works with two people to improve their relationship. Learning how to handle your conflicts can not only patch up your issues, but it can also make your relationship much stronger.
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