Relationship

Saving Your Relationship: The Different Types of Couples Therapy Explained

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It isn’t always easy to tell when a relationship is failing. Sometimes, it’s immediate and damaging, like one partner finding an affair. More often than not, it’s simply time that whittles away at something once fun and exciting. 

Couples therapy is not only for those who feel their relationship is at the breaking point. In fact, it can be helpful and healthy to consider. This is true even if there are common issues or disconnects between partners.

That’s why there are different types of couples therapy. Here’s a guide to three popular methods.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on attachment and bonding in adult relationships. In general, people bring baggage into relationships. They’re prone to feelings of anger, betrayal, lack of trust, or deep-seated fears.

The American Psychological Association says ~75% of couples who undergo EFT remain together. That statistic is impressive and helps keep couples from becoming the 50% divorce statistic.

EFT is a successful form of therapy for those with PTSD or trauma. This could originate from prior relationships or military trauma. It’s also effective for people wrestling with infertility or having ill children.

To succeed, couples discover and express their deep, underlying feelings. This clarity will lead to a shared vulnerability that will deepen their relationship.

Couple’s therapy retreats can be a great contributor to developing this vulnerability. Time to reconnect is important for developing a relationship. 

The Gottman Method

Dr. John Gottman is the author of “The 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work.” Gottman believes that when conflicts are left unresolved, they build up into walls between partners. So they need to be broken down.

Gottman clarifies that partners must learn to express themselves positively with one another. Unresolved conflicts build into the “Four Horsemen” of your relationships apocalypse:

  • Criticism
  • Contempt
  • Defensiveness
  • And stonewalling and shutting the other out

To overcome this, couples must build “The Sound Relationship House.” Considering 69% of marital conflicts are repeated problems, consider this method if you are dealing with these issues.

Imago Relationship Therapy

Imago Relationship Therapy was created by a husband and wife. It focuses on connecting the trauma experienced in childhood to how people act in their adult relationships.

This can be helpful for expressing those issues with partners, especially for those that had a difficult or abusive relationship with their parents.

Partners who don’t have parental relationships would benefit from this as well.

By understanding each other’s backgrounds, you’ll be able to communicate more clearly. When you understand each other’s vulnerabilities, you’ll deepen your relationship.

Discover These Types of Couples Therapy

Relationships are different for everyone. That’s why there are different types of couples therapy. Exploring your options and finding what works best for your partner can not only salvage a relationship but also turn it into a blissful one.

Looking for more advice on relationships, health, and all things social? Check out our other blog posts!

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