- Reflective listening
Instead of using ‘you’ sentences, use ‘I’ instead. Use ‘I’ phrases instead of ‘You are wrong’ statements. This puts the focus on both of you as a couple and not a blame game.
- Therapy that is emotionally focused
There are many therapists who use an emotionally focused method (EFT) that has been proven to help facilitate behaviour change.
The goal for couples should be to ‘identify maladaptive patterns in their relationship which interfere with secure attachments and bonds’. People learn to use techniques for healing or creating safe and secure attachments in the relationship.
- Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy involves people telling their story and then rewriting it. It can make them realise that no one story could possibly encompass their entire experience.
Couples who believe their relationship has failed due to their own faults may benefit from narrative therapy. A study from 2016 showed that narrative therapy can reduce conflict between couples and improve their cooperation. These couples believe they are subjected to emotional and romantic trauma and failure because they were a failure at the beginning and this is what they deserve. To find out more about Couples Counselling Cheltenham, go to https://www.cheltenhamcounsellor.co.uk/couples-counselling-cheltenham
- Gottman method
The Gottman method has become a very popular technique among couples’ therapists. This technique helps couples to better understand each other while managing conflicts within their relationship. This technique may help to deal with issues such as marital adjustments and intimacy.
It has been conducting research for more than forty years. The Gottman Institute offers live workshops for couples and training materials to take home. Many therapists are also trained in the Gottman Institute’s methods.
- Relationship therapy with Imago
Imago Relationship Therapy, created by Dr. Harville Hendrix in 1980 and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, emphasises the link between adult relationships with childhood experiences.
The therapy is designed to make couples more understanding and empathetic.
- Treatment-focused therapy
Solution-focused therapy can be a good option if you are dealing with an issue or feeling fatigue, and/or trying to achieve a goal.
The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy describes the approach as ‘a short-term, goal-focused, evidence-based therapy that helps clients to change rather than dwell on their problems.’