Couples Therapy: Psychotherapist Explains 10 Ways It Can Save Your Relationship

How Does Couples Therapy Work, And What Can Couples Expect During Sessions?

Couples therapy acts as a valuable guide through the complexities of relationships, where a skilled therapist functions as both a guide and a reflective mirror. Contrary to the common notion that therapy is only for crisis management, it offers a safe space for exploration, understanding, and improvement. Dr Chandni Tugnait says, “Early sessions focus on uncovering each partner’s background, communication style, and attachment tendencies, revealing how past experiences shape present dynamics. As therapy progresses, the couple works on building trust, improving communication, and resolving conflicts through structured methods, including personalised techniques for emotional expression.” She further added, “Mid-therapy is dedicated to challenging and reshaping deeply ingrained habits, where couples practise new communication tools with guidance from their therapist.”

Throughout, consistent practise, homework assignments, and ongoing reflection enable couples to integrate these strategies into daily life, ultimately strengthening their bond.

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Is Couples Therapy Suitable Only For Couples Facing Severe Issues?

Dr. Chandni describes couples therapy as a ‘relationship wellness centre’ rather than just an emergency service, emphasising that while it’s effective in addressing serious issues like infidelity or communication problems, its benefits stretch far beyond crisis management.

Here’s how modern couples therapy supports relationships at different stages:

• For New Relationships: Couples therapy acts as a preventative measure, helping partners establish strong communication and identify potential conflict areas before they escalate, acting as a form of ‘relationship immunisation.’
• For Stable Relationships: It helps couples deepen their connection, improve intimacy, and manage transitions like career changes or parenthood, much like routine health check-ups.
• For Struggling Relationships: Therapy provides a structured, safe space to address issues, from recurring conflicts to trust breaches, with professional guidance.
• For Diverse Relationships: Therapy is inclusive of all types, whether traditional, LGBTQ+, or polyamorous, adjusting techniques to meet each unique relationship dynamic.

The focus isn’t on the severity of the problems but on the shared commitment to growth and mutual understanding.

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Benefits Of Couples Therapy For A Relationship

Here are the benefits of couples therapy as per Chandni Tugnait:

• Improved Communication: Partners learn advanced techniques for expressing emotions and needs, reducing misunderstandings.
• Mastering Conflict Resolution: Couples acquire strategies to turn arguments into constructive conversations.
• Emotional Intelligence: Therapy fosters a deeper understanding of emotional patterns, promoting empathy.
• Recognising Patterns: Partners identify recurring behaviours and work to break negative cycles.
• Rebuilding Trust: Guided exercises help couples restore or strengthen trust.
• Individual Growth: Therapy supports both personal development and the relationship.
• Future-Proofing: Couples gain tools to face future challenges.
• Enhancing Intimacy: Emotional and physical closeness is deepened through mutual understanding.
• Shared Vision: Couples align their individual and collective goals.
• Resilience: Strengthened strategies for handling stress and transitions together.

Misconceptions About Couples Therapy

As per Dr Chandni Tugnait, many couples hesitate to seek therapy due to widespread myths. One common misconception is that therapy indicates a failing relationship, but in truth, it’s a proactive step for growth, like maintaining a high-performance engine. Therapy is not about blame but understanding and improving communication. It can benefit even stable relationships, not just those in crisis.

If you think couples therapy could benefit your relationship, it's important to have an open conversation with your partner about it. Share why you believe it could help, focusing on how it could improve communication and resolve ongoing issues. If your partner is hesitant, listen to their concerns, and try to address them by explaining the positive impact therapy could have on strengthening your bond and understanding each other better.

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