Married couples are faced with problems of one form or another. This is normal for any healthy relationship. When the problems are too complex as to cause instability in the relationship, there is a need to intervene. Couples therapy can be defined as counseling differing spouses in order to bring them to a common ground. The short duration of therapy ranges from one to three sessions while the long term counseling constitutes between twelve to twenty four sessions. Usually the concerned parties are given time to tell the story of what has them to seek professional help.
The main objective of holding these sessions is to give time and opportunity for each of the involved parties to their side of story. The therapist plays the role of ensuring that each of the spouses understands each other. They must appreciate that each is a human being with a different set of emotions, principles and beliefs. They therefore have to be willing to tolerate the shortcomings that come with these differences. The therapist tries to iron out personal egos, insecurities, arrogance and inappropriate tempers.
Difference in the personality and view of issues is the primary cause of misunderstanding between spouses. As such, they should show a willingness to put their differences aside for the common good of all. Each partner should be in a position to adapt to changes in situation selflessly. In simple words, it takes two to tango.
The primary focus of on this counseling is communication. Active listening is one of the methods used to enhance communication. The spouse on the receiving end is trained to interpret criticism as love rather than insult. The other spouse is given time to vent out all their emotions concerning what they feel about problems in the relationship. In most cases, the listener feels burdened by the criticizer and therefore makes it a priority to avoid future similar disagreement.
There are many types of professionals who can give this therapy. They include, among others, pastors, psychiatrists, social workers and psychologists. The most important attribute of the therapist is to be a good listener. They should also be good problem solvers and neutral in their dealings.
Usually the couple has a joint session with the therapist; however, if it is more effective and it is consented by both parties, then the counselor can see a partner at a time. The practitioner should be able adhere to the principle of confidentiality and expertise. The therapist is required to practise professionalism by making decision fairly without favoring one side unnecessarily.
Paradoxically, therapy may worsen problems in a relationship instead of solving depending on the methodology used. The major drawback in active listening is distortion of the intended purpose. Without a positive attitude by the listener, criticism becomes interpreted as abuse.
Couples therapy has grown to include other types of relationships that have not been traditionally recognized. For example, it is now used for same sex relationships. It is also used for persons that are not officially married but are in a relationship. While conducting the sessions, the therapist should not be unfairly judgmental.
The main objective of holding these sessions is to give time and opportunity for each of the involved parties to their side of story. The therapist plays the role of ensuring that each of the spouses understands each other. They must appreciate that each is a human being with a different set of emotions, principles and beliefs. They therefore have to be willing to tolerate the shortcomings that come with these differences. The therapist tries to iron out personal egos, insecurities, arrogance and inappropriate tempers.
Difference in the personality and view of issues is the primary cause of misunderstanding between spouses. As such, they should show a willingness to put their differences aside for the common good of all. Each partner should be in a position to adapt to changes in situation selflessly. In simple words, it takes two to tango.
The primary focus of on this counseling is communication. Active listening is one of the methods used to enhance communication. The spouse on the receiving end is trained to interpret criticism as love rather than insult. The other spouse is given time to vent out all their emotions concerning what they feel about problems in the relationship. In most cases, the listener feels burdened by the criticizer and therefore makes it a priority to avoid future similar disagreement.
There are many types of professionals who can give this therapy. They include, among others, pastors, psychiatrists, social workers and psychologists. The most important attribute of the therapist is to be a good listener. They should also be good problem solvers and neutral in their dealings.
Usually the couple has a joint session with the therapist; however, if it is more effective and it is consented by both parties, then the counselor can see a partner at a time. The practitioner should be able adhere to the principle of confidentiality and expertise. The therapist is required to practise professionalism by making decision fairly without favoring one side unnecessarily.
Paradoxically, therapy may worsen problems in a relationship instead of solving depending on the methodology used. The major drawback in active listening is distortion of the intended purpose. Without a positive attitude by the listener, criticism becomes interpreted as abuse.
Couples therapy has grown to include other types of relationships that have not been traditionally recognized. For example, it is now used for same sex relationships. It is also used for persons that are not officially married but are in a relationship. While conducting the sessions, the therapist should not be unfairly judgmental.
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