Couples therapy is a form of treatment that applies to people in a committed relationship and requires participation from each partner. This therapy focuses on conflicts between these partners as well as the relationship itself. Couples counseling is used to resolve or treat mental health issues, addiction, communication barriers, and other problems that hinder the normal functioning of a relationship.

Both partners in a relationship receive equal treatment as a client during this type of therapy. Each session requires both parties to be present, though certain situations may call for a few one-on-one sessions as needed.

Couples therapy focuses on creating a safe space for partners to voice their feelings, resolve conflicts, and discuss issues. The counselor helps patients recognize and change behavioral and thought patterns that lead to deception, disconnection, and stress in the relationship. These sessions can help partners build a more understanding, respectful, and intimate relationship.

Counselors often organize couples therapy sessions to follow a specific schedule. The therapist or counselor uses each session to:

1. Examine relationship issues and substance use.
2. Introduce new concepts and skills.
3. Allocate homework that contains skills application.
4. Review the previous homework.

During couples therapy, a therapist or counselor may implement one or more of the below techniques as a part of a patient’s substance use disorder treatment plan. This helps the partners and counselor set goals for the recovery journey. Once patients set these goals, the counselor may implement substance-focused interventions to bolster abstinence, followed by relationship-based interventions.

Several types of couples therapy techniques exist, such as:

• Reflective listening: Reflective listening is a process where both partners take turns listening to each other actively and repeating what their partner said and how they’re feeling. This helps both partners learn to show empathy and validation and avoid misinterpretations or misunderstandings.
• Emotionally focused therapy (EFT): EFT concentrates on building stronger bonds and deeper attachments between partners. The counselor works with the couple to identify feelings of discontent. EFT can help partners develop feelings of love, security, and support in their relationship.
• Gottman method: The Gottman method focuses on addressing conflict areas and teaching couples healthy conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, leading to increased intimacy levels and improved friendship between partners. This method can help partners develop respect, admiration, and trust for one another.
• Psychodynamic therapy: This approach analyzes the core fears and dreams that motivate couples, which helps them understand each other better. Psychodynamic therapy helps partners understand how their past experiences and trauma impact their present behavior and teaches them how to overcome negative patterns and behaviors.
• Behavioral therapy: This method helps reshape behavior by strengthening positive behaviors that encourage stability and satisfaction while eradicating behaviors that promote negativity. Behavioral therapy helps couples build healthy routines, habits, and boundaries in their relationships.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on a person’s thought patterns and how these patterns influence their actions. CBT helps partners recognize and change irrational assumptions, beliefs, and expectations that infuse conflict or distress into their relationship.