Relationships are never easy. They require effort, time, patience, and trust. But what if your relationships are starting to suffer? Is there still a way to mend it?
While cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is most frequently used to address individual problems, this form of therapy has also been found to be effective and helpful with the treatment of relationship challenges.
Many couples often encounter difficulties because of unrealistic expectations, communication problems, or their inability to deal with issues the healthy way. The good news is that CBT can guide couples into resolving such problems.
The therapy can help them understand how their attitudes or thoughts manifest in their relationship. CBT also encourages couples to develop proactive methods of dealing with conflicts and managing these functionally and adaptively.
A professional CBT therapist uses several techniques to help couples address and resolve their relationship problems. These include the following:
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Identification of Perceptions and Expectations of the Couple
Relationship conflicts are often the result of expectations or needs that weren’t met or because of the wrong perception of the other party. CBT can help the couple voice out and talk about their wants and feelings to ensure that both parties will become more attentive to them.
Determining Common Conflict Triggers
Couples with a long-standing history of conflicts tend to be extremely sensitive to triggers that can recreate or set off difficult or conflicted situations. They might even be more inclined to track and monitor the behaviors of their partner or be very vigilant of their partner’s actions.
All of this can result in a negative behavioral cycle that will only lead to more conflicts in the future. Cognitive behavioral therapy will work with the couple to determine and explore the primary sources of conflict. The therapist will also delve into the underlying reasons that are the root of these tension-filled situations.
Encouragement of New Behaviors
A CBT therapist can also work hand in hand with the couple to turn their conflict-filled situations into perfect opportunities to achieve more positive goals.
The therapist will design certain interventions to help the partners get rid of their negative behavioral patterns. The couple will also be guided into forming new behaviors according to the common preferences and values of the partners like trust, respect, and integrity.
This change of focus where the partners will start to see the positive side of their relationship can spur substantial changes that will soon lead to complete transformation.
How to Ensure a Successful CBT for Couples
To make your CBT a success, always remember that active participation, time, and effort are all important. Below are several helpful tips you have to keep in mind:
- Attend all your scheduled sessions with your partner.
- Always be honest and open. The success of your CBT is dependent on your and your partner’s willingness to share your problems and experiences.
- Express and communicate your feelings.
- Never expect immediate results. Several sessions might be necessary before you notice an improvement in your relationship.
- Keep a journal to commemorate positive events and identify the different sources of stress.
- Follow your treatment. Even a single session skipped can affect your progress.
- Work with your therapist to develop and reach your goals.
