Couples Therapy
A therapy involving both partners in a relationship to address communication difficulties, conflict patterns, and relationship distress.
What Is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy, also called marital or relationship therapy, involves both partners in a romantic relationship working with a therapist to address communication difficulties, conflict patterns, and overall relationship satisfaction. Several specific models exist, including Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Behavioral Couples Therapy.
How It Works
Couples therapy approaches generally focus on identifying unhelpful interaction patterns, improving communication, and, depending on the model, addressing underlying emotional needs or reinforcing positive relationship behaviors. This description reflects general couples therapy principles using original language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions typically involve both partners meeting with the therapist together, discussing relationship concerns, practicing communication techniques, and sometimes completing exercises between sessions to reinforce skills learned in therapy.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports several couples therapy models, particularly Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Behavioral Couples Therapy, for improving relationship satisfaction; Behavioral Couples Therapy also has evidence supporting its use as an adjunct treatment for substance use disorders when one partner has a substance use problem.
Who May Benefit?
Couples therapy may be considered for partners experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, or relationship distress, or as an adjunct treatment when one partner’s mental health or substance use concerns significantly affect the relationship.
Limitations and Considerations
Couples therapy requires both partners’ willingness to participate and engage in the process; it is generally not recommended in situations involving active intimate partner violence, where individual safety-focused approaches are more appropriate.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Couples therapy is delivered by licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals with specific couples therapy training.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Couples therapy length varies depending on the concerns addressed and model used, ranging from short-term focused work to longer-term treatment; treatment length varies according to the couple’s needs and clinician.
Therapy vs. Medication
Couples therapy is a psychotherapy approach; if one partner has a diagnosed mental health condition, individual treatment including medication may also be appropriate alongside couples work, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.