Building Stronger Relationships

Have you ever been in an argument with your partner, or your family? During those arguments, did you feel like you were just getting nowhere or that you weren’t heard? After the argument, did things get better? Or maybe they stayed the same or got worse. Did any of this cause stress to you and/or the relationship? If you feel yourself sympathizing with any of this, have you ever considered relationship therapy? Before we get into the when to consider Relationship Therapy, let’s first talk about what it is and what some of the common therapy methods associated with it are.

What is Relationship Therapy?

The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines Relationship Therapy as any form of psychotherapy focused on improving the relationship between individuals by helping them resolve interpersonal issues and modify maladaptive patterns of interactions, thereby fostering the healthy psychosocial growth of all parties. It is an umbrella term encompassing couples therapy and family therapy.

It is good to note that many different types of relationships exist and that relationship therapy is not limited to married couples. When pursuing relationship therapy, this could be with a romantic partner (or partners depending on your relationship structure), your child, your parent(s), maybe even close friends if you feel the need arise. The purpose of relationship therapy is to find ways to mend the relationships in your life in a manner that promotes growth and wellbeing on the part of both parties.

Common Relationship Therapy Methods

Below is a list of common relationship therapy methods that a therapist may pull from based on their specific training, or by matching what best meets the needs of the client. As with most therapy, your therapist most likely will take therapeutic techniques from several methods to find the best mixture for you.

 

For romantic relationships:

    • The Gottman Method
    • Emotion-Focused Therapy
    • Imago Relationship Therapy

 

For familial relationships:

    • Bowenian
    • Structural
    • Strategic
    • Brief Strategic
    • Brief Solution Focused
    • Narrative
    • Systemic
    • Transgenerational
    • Communication
    • Psychoeducation

When is Relationship Therapy right for you?

Relationship therapy is right for you when you feel stuck and need a change. It is right for you when you want your relationship(s) to grow and heal. It is right for youTaking these first steps can be scary and we are here to lend a hand.

This article merely serves as an introduction to Relationship Therapy, and if you are looking for more information, our licensed therapists are here to help. Reach out to us via our Contact Us page or by calling 513-846-5283 to see if we are a good fit for you. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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