As an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) I’ve seen many couples through difficult times in their relationships. Couples therapy can help to improve communication, resolve conflict, and build a stronger relationship. It is a short-term, goal-oriented treatment that can be helpful for couples who are experiencing any struggles in their relationship.

​

Couples therapy can help couples to:

• Understand each other's needs and perspectives. This can help couples to see things from each other's point of view and to be more compassionate towards each other.

• Learn how to communicate effectively. This includes learning how to listen to each other, how to express their feelings in a healthy way, and how to resolve conflict peacefully.

• Develop conflict resolution skills. This includes learning how to identify the root of their conflicts, how to communicate their needs effectively, and how to compromise.

• Improve their problem-solving skills. This includes learning how to identify problems, how to brainstorm solutions, and how to implement solutions effectively.

• Build trust. This includes learning how to be honest with each other, how to keep promises, and how to be supportive of each other.

• Increase intimacy. This includes learning how to express love and affection for each other, how to be physically intimate, and how to share their thoughts and feelings with each other.

• Enhance their relationship satisfaction. This includes feeling happy and fulfilled in their relationship, feeling connected to their partner, and feeling like they can rely on their partner.

 

There are many different approaches to couples therapy, but some of the most common include:

• Systemic therapy. This approach focuses on the couple as a system, and looks at how the couple's interactions and patterns contribute to their problems.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach focuses on the couple's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and helps them to identify and change unhelpful patterns.

• Emotion-focused therapy. This approach focuses on the couple's emotions, and helps them to understand and express their emotions in a healthy way.

 

Couples therapy can be a valuable tool for couples who are struggling in their relationship. If you are considering couples therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with couples and who uses an approach that is compatible with your needs.

​

Here are some unique approaches to couples therapy:

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a type of therapy that was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, but it has also been shown to be effective for couples therapy. DBT focuses on helping couples to regulate their emotions, communicate effectively, and build skills for managing conflict.

• Integrative therapy. Integrative therapy is a type of therapy that combines elements of different approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and systemic therapy. This approach can be helpful for couples who are struggling with a variety of issues.

 

​