Does Couples Therapy Work?

Research says it does. Here are 10 reasons why and how.

In the bustling and often chaotic lives we live, maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship is important. Whether it's navigating daily stressors, dealing with unresolved conflicts, parenting issues, loss of intimacy, or simply feeling disconnected, many couples face obstacles that put their bonds to the test. That's where couples therapy steps in, offering a lifeline for those seeking to mend their relationships.

Research shows that couples therapy positively impacts 70% of couples receiving treatment (1). The effectiveness rates of couple therapy are comparable to the effectiveness rates of individual therapies and vastly superior to control groups not receiving treatment.

Why it works:

1. Enhance communication: Learn effective communication skills for expressing thoughts and feelings.

2. It's a safe space: A confidential environment with a neutral therapist for judgment-free expression.

3. Foster understanding and empathy: Gain insights into each other's perspectives through multiple sessions.

4. Resolve conflicts: Acquire conflict resolution skills to prevent resentment.

5. Tackle life's challenges: Navigate challenges like infertility, mental health, trauma, and finances.

6. Self-awareness and insight on famly of origin issues that make us do some of the things we do.

7. Learn how to support each other: learn more about each others needs and what makes you feel loved.

8. Building coping skills: learn how to regulate yourself and your triggers to manage conflict.

9. Act as a sounding board: Improve active/refective listening and mutual understanding.

10. Clarify parental expectations: align on values, rolls, and duties so there are no unspoken resentments.

Couples therapy has proven itself as a valuable and effective intervention for individuals facing a variety of challenges. Empirical evidence, the personalized approach, skill-building, self-awareness promotion, the therapeutic relationship, lasting effects, and preventive benefits all contribute to the overall efficacy of therapy. While individual results may vary, the collective body of research and personal testimonials attests to the positive impact therapy can have on people's lives. Effectiveness increases when couples start now and not wait until it is a crisis. This starts with reaching out. Research couples therapists to find the right one for you. Healing and reconnection starts with reaching out. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and therapy has the potential to pave the way toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

References:

1. Davoodvandi M, Nejad S, Farzad V. Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples' Intimacy. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. 2018;13(2):135-141.

2. Lebow J, Chambers A, Christensen A, Johnson S. Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 2012;38(1):145-168.