Couple Psychotherapy
Couples often present in couples therapy saying they either want to improve their relationship; or are concerned about specific issues in their relationship; or are thinking about separating. Couple psychotherapy is valuable to those who want to explore how their problems have arisen or why they have been unable to change in the past.
It allows couples to gain perspective, learn new skills and to discuss their struggles in a safe environment. This may include intimacy, power, decision making, parenting or even use of spare time. It can assist couples to realise the differences between them, ongoing individual struggles and the struggles that originated in the relationship. The histories of each person as well as the history of the relationship itself are important in couples therapy. In order to resolve conflicts, the source of problems or a struggling love relationship, a couple must have confidence in their psychotherapist and feel safe. This permits openness, understanding, reassurance and new developments in the couple's relationship to proceed.
One or both members of a couple might have concerns about couples therapy that could delay their decision to seek help. There may be fear that a psychotherapist will be judgmental or will take sides. There may be fear that the therapy will separate the partners rather than bring them closer together. One partner might fear that something could be uncovered during the work that would frighten the other partner away. Often couples can experience some shame or guilt about appearing to have "relationship problems’ and seeking help can be experienced as a social stigma.
Couple Psychotherapy aims to help couples:
• Increase their understanding of underlying problems as well as more obvious difficulties between them.
• Reduce the power of disappointments and hurts, both past and present, thereby freeing them to discover new ways of relating.
• Open a way to greater fulfillment both as part of a couple and as individuals.Couple Psychotherapy can also help couples when they have decided to separate by:
• Clarify their feelings and the choices they could make.
• Explore the underlying reasons for their difficulties.
• Mourn the loss of the relationship.
• Make parting as constructive as possible for all concerned