Brief Couples Therapy: What is it, who is it right for and how does it work? All your questions answered.
Some couples don’t need in depth, trauma and emotion focused therapy to heal deep rooted wounds. Sometimes when a couple contacts us for therapy, and they wish to work on communication, this really is all they need. This is a perfect case for brief couples therapy.
Typically brief couples therapy last between 3-7 sessions. It is focused around communication and skill building, helpful in relationships that don’t have a strong trauma bond or ongoing conflict that can’t be healed using solution focused therapy.
Brief couples therapy focuses on the strengths and skills the individuals in their relationship already have. This works best when there is already a strong foundation of love and trust, but communicating about deeper aspects or common challenges in a relationship become challenging. Many couples can use a combination of psycho-education, skills building, conflict resolution and solution focused resolution to better manage their relationship and make it even stronger.
Brief couples therapy is effective for all the reasons listed above. There is a strong focus on skill, homework is provided and it takes a motivated couple that is ready to engage in new behavior to be effective. The motivation and insight the couples brings in allows for the therapist to work from the start on skill building and communication skills. This is not an effective approach for a higher conflict couple, one that is seeking help and resources working through infidelity, or rebuilding trust. This is also not effective when any form of domestic violence is present.
So how do you know if it is right for you and your partner? Call us or email us today and find out if you are a good fit for brief couples therapy.