Couples therapy favors, for example, decision-making aimed at both individual and joint well-being within an emotional relationship.
Couples therapy is one of the many resources that can be taken into account either, with the intervention of a therapist, to improve coexistence or to rebuild the emotional bond between people united by a common life project or to give closure. as harmonious as possible to the sentimental bond if the idea is, separation or divorce , each person continuing on their own.
This alternative is recommended and used in practice when the aim is to rebuild the relationship , improve communication between the parties involved, problems of infidelity arise or a mediator is needed who, from the role of therapist , contributes to the rapprochement of positions in order to facilitate conflict resolution .
The professional in charge of the sessions must have adequate training to guide and accompany patients who request assistance , some with the intention of leaving behind a deep crisis or differences that wear down the couple and others as a support that teaches how to cope. and cope with a breakup .
Types of couples therapy
There are different types of couples therapy , so when moving together along the path of going to an analyst or psychologist, it is advisable to get advice and know all the possibilities to be able to select the option that is most convenient.
Depending on the therapeutic approach , the type of development and the objectives sought , models such as brief therapy focused on solutions (prioritizing the couple's desires, desires or intentions) and so-called cognitive-behavioral therapy (where they are analyzed in detail) gain notoriety. everyday problems).
It is also advisable to know what Gestalt therapy consists of (a current that promotes individual knowledge as a starting point for recognizing how to relate within the couple by expressing needs, thoughts or feelings) and how emotion-focused therapy is applied (framework in which emphasizes the identification and acceptance of feelings that emerge in certain circumstances).
Play therapy (applied to couples therapy in specific contexts) , narrative therapy , acceptance and commitment therapy , sexual therapy and the intensive modality called high-impact couples therapy are other practices to consider. Nor should we overlook the formats, since there are both face-to-face sessions and online therapy and structures that adapt to the privacy of two individuals or that offer them the option of group therapy for couples .
Active listening techniques and dialogue are the bases for solving, with respect and love, any conflict that interferes with a relationship.
Characteristics
Couples therapy , to be useful and therapeutic, must be undertaken and carried out with professionalism , ethics and neutrality on the part of the therapist .
In these sessions, comfort and freedom must be provided for those involved in order to encourage them to speak and listen in a respectful, safe and calm environment .
Regardless of the methodologies applied , the contents that emerge in the meetings and the modality chosen for therapy , work must always be done giving importance to communication and highlighting the value of empathy , tolerance and assertiveness for building a relationship. honest, solid and healthy .
A healthy, constructive and enriching sentimental bond requires daily and reciprocal work of care, respect, interest and companionship.
Problems most addressed in couples therapy
In couples therapy, the problems most addressed are usually related to difficulties, misunderstandings or discomfort derived from communication problems or loss of trust when infidelities, extramarital affairs or deceptions related to monetary matters come to light.
It is also common to consult as a result of the development of emotional codependency , due to the need to achieve optimal control or management of anger and due to the negative impact that work stress has on marital life or family dynamics . Empty nest syndrome , a medical diagnosis that alters or slows down routine and planning for the future , addictions or pregnancy are added to the list of reasons that generally prompt couples to seek counseling.
Dissatisfaction at an intimate level , conflicts caused by confrontations between relatives (usually, with a member of the in-laws, as ends up happening if there are conflicts with in-laws , brothers-in-law , etc.), a possible unilateral proposal about the intention to open the couple by joining The tendency to maintain open relationships or practice polyamory and disagreements regarding raising children are other realities for which the alternative of finding in couples therapy a great ally of marital harmony can be useful.