Couples therapy is a journey that aims to address the needs of both partners. It acknowledges the inevitability and significance of conflict within intimate relationships. Recognising detrimental patterns of engagement is pivotal to preserving a relationship’s trajectory.
Couples therapy is about uncovering and recognising detrimental patterns of engagement and ways of communication in order to address them in a healthy way and preserve the longevity of the relationship. Sometimes, one individual may feel a bigger need for therapy than the other, and that’s okay. However, successful couples therapy requires commitment from both. Couples therapy can be beneficial at any stage in the relationship and can cater to diverse relationship dynamics.
In my practice, I draw on several therapeutic modalities as part of the approach to working with couples, including Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Imago Therapy.
A: Although there is some overlap, there is a difference between couples therapy and counselling. Counselling generally addresses a current issue in the shorter term. In contrast, couples therapy looks to go deeper and delve into more complex problems and, therefore, typically takes place over more sessions.
A: Be pro-active:
While the idea of any sort of therapy can be daunting, especially when it comes to addressing issues as a couple that you may not have felt comfortable bringing up in other settings or circumstances, it is a great first step in resolving them and knowing how to deal with them better in the future.
Be open and curious:
Therapy is all about getting to know yourselves and each other; therefore, you can expect your psychologist to ask questions about you as individuals and how you function and relate to one another as a couple. The sessions will also be guided to ascertain and used to discuss and understand the reasons behind seeking couples therapy.
Be patient:
Couples therapy is a gradual process involving multiple sessions to effectively achieve the collective goals set in the initial sessions, ultimately bringing the couple closer together. To get the most out of couples therapy in the long term, couples are asked to put the insights uncovered in sessions into practice outside the sessions.
A: Couples therapy is equipped to address a broad spectrum of relationship challenges, ranging from minor disagreements to significant communication breakdowns. Seeking assistance from a clinical psychologist is valuable at any relationship stage, even if you believe your bond is irreparably damaged. Couples therapy often proves to be transformative, offering surprising insights and solutions, regardless of the perceived severity of the issues.
I want to feel better about myself.
I want to quit making the same mistakes and break negative cycles.
I want to feel less anxious or depressed.
I want to become better at dealing with stress and frustration.
I want to find meaning and purpose in my life.
Often, present-day challenges serve as a starting point for delving into deeper, long-standing patterns and issues. Your psychologist might suggest a period of therapy to address acute symptoms effectively and explore any underlying chronic concerns.
*Session fees are structured in accordance with medical aid rates.
Ashley Chetty is an HPCSA-registered clinical psychologist in Pretoria. Her practice is based in Garsfontein, Pretoria-East, and she offers psychological therapy and support to individuals and families across South Africa.
