Relationship therapy: How it works and what to expect

Relationships are wonderful, but they can also be complicated. Sometimes partners get stuck in patterns that drive them apart instead of bringing them closer together. Relationship therapy provides a safe space to discuss problems and work together to build a stronger bond. Since a therapist is present, the situation is less likely to escalate and depth can be sought. 

What forms of couples therapy are there?

Relationship therapy comes in different forms, depending on the couple's needs:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Aimed at strengthening the emotional bond between partners.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): helps break negative thinking patterns and behaviours.
• Systemic therapy: Looks at the relationship in the wider context, such as family and social environment.
• Psychodynamic therapy: Examines how past experiences affect the relationship.
• Integrative therapy: A combination of different forms of therapy, tailored to the couple.

How useful is relationship therapy?

Many couples experience positive changes through any of the above therapies. It helps improve communication, build trust and break destructive patterns. Even if a relationship is beyond repair, therapy can help break up in a respectful way. 

Example:
A couple keeps having the same arguments about the household and feel unheard. In therapy, they learn to understand each other's needs better and discover how to communicate more effectively without falling into recriminations.

How many people benefit from couples therapy?

Research shows that about 70% of couples see improvement after couples therapy. This depends on both partners' willingness to work for change and be open to self-reflection.

Example:
A couple with trust issues after infidelity decide to try therapy. Through guided conversations, they learn to express their emotions and rebuild their trust step by step. This requires support from both parties. This support can be created during a therapy session. 

Is relationship therapy a last resort?

Many people only seek help when the relationship is on the verge of breaking up, but relationship therapy can also be preventive work. It is not only for couples with major problems, but also for couples who want to deepen and strengthen their relationship.

Example relationship therapy:

A newlywed couple find that minor irritations escalate quickly. By learning in therapy how to express their feelings without hurting each other, they prevent these patterns from becoming entrenched.

Relationship therapy does not guarantee success, but it offers insights and tools to make conscious choices. Whether it is about repairing a relationship or learning to let go in a respectful way, therapy can be a valuable process.