Couples therapy differs from other forms of psychotherapy because the relationship is the focus of attention, instead of one individual diagnosed with a specific psychological problem. Couples therapy

focuses on the problems existing in the relationship between two people. However, these relationship problems always involve individual symptoms and problems along with the relationship conflicts. For example, if you are constantly arguing with your spouse, you will probably also be chronically anxious, angry or depressed (or all three). Or, if you have difficulty controlling your temper, you will have more arguments with your partner.

 The most common view of Couples Therapy is that is it a means of resolving problems and conflicts that couples have not been able to handle effectively on their own due to a build up of frustration and disappointment over time, or some other issue underlying the conflict. Other couples seek help due to a marital crisis, such as an affair or apparent loss of affection and caring, or a traumatic event such as an illness or loss in the family.

Couples Therapy can also be very effective for couples that are not in crisis, but seek to revitalize their relationship in any number of ways. Common goals are to revive romance, sexuality, improve communication, move to a deeper level of intimacy, make decisions about whether or not to have children, and to negotiate life transitions together.

Counseling involves both partners sitting down with a trained professional to discuss their thoughts and feelings. The aim is to help each of them gain a better understanding of themselves and each other, to decide if they need and want to make changes, and if so, to help them achieve their goals.

What Will the Therapist Do?

Therapists are trained and objective third parties who will listen to both partners as they express their thoughts and feelings and help them identify and clarify problem areas; they will not take sides. The therapist will help you and your partner identify the conflict issues within your relationship and will help you decide what changes are needed in the relationship and in the behavior of each partner.