Does couples therapy work?

When relationships face difficulties, many couples wonder if therapy can be an effective solution to improve their situation. The dynamics of a relationship can become complicated, and problems can often arise from differences in communication, lack of intimacy, constant conflict, or mistrust. In this context, couples therapy is presented as an option that seeks to address these problems and strengthen the connection between the members of the couple.

In this Psychology-Online article we will evaluate the effectiveness of couples therapy and we will address the key question: Does it work? Also, we'll talk about the effectiveness of couples therapy and what to do when therapy doesn't work.

Index

1. How does couples therapy work?
2. How effective is couples therapy?
3. What to do when couples therapy doesn't work

Couples therapy is a collaborative process in which a couple works with a therapist to address difficulties in their relationship. Through a series of stages, couples therapy aims to strengthen communication, foster mutual understanding, and promote positive changes in relationship dynamics.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how couples therapy works.

• initial evaluation: the first step consists of an initial evaluation, where the therapist meets with the couple to gather information about the history of the relationship, current issues, and goals therapeutic. During this phase, the therapist will also establish a trusting relationship with the couple and discuss the expectations and limits of therapy.
• Exploration of themes and patterns: The therapist will help the couple to identify recurring themes and problematic interaction patterns in their relationship. This involves exploring communication difficulties, recurring conflicts, and underlying emotions that contribute to problems.
• Improved communication: Couples therapy focuses on improving communication between the members of the couple. The therapist will teach active listening techniques, assertiveness and constructive negotiation to facilitate more effective and empathetic communication.
• Rconflict resolution: The therapist will guide the couple in the identification and resolution of conflicts in a healthy way. Different approaches to handling disagreements will be explored and the search for mutually satisfactory solutions will be encouraged.
• Exploration of emotions and needs: Couples therapy provides a safe space for each member of the couple to explore their individual emotions and needs. The therapist will help the couple develop a deeper understanding of each other's emotions and find ways to meet each other's emotional needs.
• Strengthening intimacy and connection: Couples therapy focuses on improving emotional intimacy and connection between partners. The therapist will provide exercises and activities designed to build closeness and trust in the relationship.
• Change planning and maintenance: As therapy progresses, the therapist will help the couple develop an action plan to maintain the positive changes achieved during therapy. Strategies for dealing with future conflicts will be provided and the couple will be encouraged to continue working together even after therapy has concluded.

When couples therapy works, several positive results are seen. First of all, communication improves, allowing couples to express their needs and emotions more effectively. In turn, this leads to a greater mutual understanding and empathy, promoting a renewed sense of connection.

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of couples therapy in the treatment of a wide range of problems in relationships.

However, the effectiveness of couples therapy can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the nature of the problems in the relationship, the motivation of the couple to participate actively in the therapeutic process and the quality of the therapeutic relationship established with the therapist.

What is couples therapy for?

Couples therapy has been shown to be effective in treatment of interpersonal conflicts, communication problems, lack of intimacy, infidelity, sexual difficulties, economic or family problems and various discrepancies related to raising children.

In addition, couples therapy can help couples develop conflict resolution skills, allowing them to approach issues constructively and avoid damaging patterns of interaction. Couples may also experience an increase in overall relationship satisfaction, greater emotional intimacy and greater stability and mutual commitment.

However, couples therapy is not a quick fix, and results can vary depending on the couple and the complexity of the issues they are facing. In fact, not all couples experience significant improvements and in some cases, they may make the mutual decision to part ways in a healthier way. However, couples therapy provides a safe and structured space to address couple problems, explore solutions, and strengthen the relationship. In this article you will find more information about How to have a healthy relationship.

Although couples therapy can be effective in many cases, there are situations where it may not work as expected. Here are some scenarios where couples therapy may not work.

• Lack of compromise: couples therapy requires the active commitment of both parties. If one or both partners are not willing to fully participate in the therapeutic process or are not open to change, therapy may have difficulty progressing. In these cases, it may be helpful to consider individual therapy or explore other intervention options.
• Violence or abuse: when exists physical, emotional violence or abuse in the relationship, couples therapy may not be appropriate or safe. In these cases, the safety of the partners is paramount and it is important to seek help such as individual therapy and support resources for victims of domestic violence or gender.
• Unilateral separation decisions: if one or both members of the couple have already made the decision to separate permanently and do not both parties are not willing to work on the relationship, couples therapy can have a scope limited. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to consider individual therapy to address emotional conflicts and seek support in the transition from separation.
• Punderlying issues not addressed: In some cases, couples therapy may not be effective if there are individual problems that cannot be addressed, such as untreated mental health disorders or active addictions. In such situations, it is important to address these issues individually before embarking on couples therapy.

If the couple has irreconcilable differences in terms of values, life goals, or long-term desires, couples therapy will not be effective. In some cases, it may be necessary to consider separation or seek help from mediation to address practical issues related to the breakup.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Does couples therapy work?, we recommend that you enter our category of Couple therapy.

• Montesano, A. (2015). Fundamental keys in couples therapy: a navigation guide for the practice. Dialnet. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo? code=5399362
• De la Espriella, R. (2011). Couples therapy: systemic approach. Colombian Journal of Psychiatry. http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php? pid=S0034-74502008000500014&script=sci_arttext
• Garcia, M. A., Zuluaga, J. C., and Torres, E. TO. (2023). Evidence-based psychological interventions for relationship difficulties: A systematic review. Forest University. https://repositorio.unbosque.edu.co/handle/20.500.12495/9792