Generally, some people may question whether couples therapy works, but research shows that it can be very effective indeed. Current evidence focusing on emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) suggests that some couples experience a 70% increase in relationship satisfaction and improvement once they attend couples’ therapy.
In other words, the authors of the study state that 70% of the couples that attended therapy report ‘symptom-free’ progress. Moreover, there are multiple couples therapy approaches and treatments that are embedded in scientific research which have shown significant and sustained relationship benefits post-therapy, including when tackling infidelity for instance.
Importantly, the approach that we will discuss later in this workbook is the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy. Based on over forty years of research, the Gottman Method is an effective approach to improve romantic relationships, the couple’s adjustment as well as their intimacy and problem-solving skills.
The researchers developing the method could predict with 90% accuracy which couples would divorce or remain together through the first 30 couples they observed.
It is important to point out that therapy for couples is most successful and beneficial when both parties are invested, committed and open to the progress of the journey moving forward. Furthermore, as you may expect, sometimes difficult emotions arise when going through couples therapy, and so having some level of baseline relationship steadiness may help ease the difficult points in therapy.
What to expect from your first couples therapy session?
Therapy usually begins with an initial assessment of your needs, goals, and concerns. The main aim during the first session is to get to know your therapist and to understand their approach. Moreover, you will both have space to share more about yourselves as a couple, your reasons for starting couples therapy and to discuss what you would like to get out of the sessions in order to establish your goals with your therapist.
The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy
Whether you decide to reach out to one of our therapists at Us Therapy or elsewhere, chances are that one of the methods used during your couples therapy sessions will be the Gottman Method. This method was created by John and Julie Schwartz Gottman and is based on over forty years of research and their Sound Relationship House theory (SRHT). This approach is widely used across the therapeutic community since research shows consistent effectiveness and popularity and many people report to benefit from this type of couples therapy due to the nature of the method since it is based on a tailored approach.
Essentially, the main goal of the Gottman method is to help facilitate a happier relationship or marriage for life. The model helps couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connectedness within their relationships which consequently leads to greater intimacy, connection, and interpersonal growth. Moreover, this approach helps couples identify and work through blockers to effective communication and deeper understanding. We offer all types of relationship & marital counselling at our clinic, please get in touch so our friendly team can help.
