In today’s world there is a crisis in relationships, and specially in partner/marriage relationships. Statistics show that on average 40% marriages end up in divorce. Seven areas have been identified that influences the quality of relationships:
- Communication
- Empathy (understanding)
- Intimacy (closeness)
- Expressed affection
- Trust
- Acceptance
- Forgiveness
Our therapy approach for couples is based on the model of integrative psychotherapy. In the first part of the therapy we look at what brought clients together and honeymoon period of the relationship. Clients become aware that there were a series of expectations which each person brought to the relationship (often unexpressed), and it is only when there is a relationship breakdown that this script or internal contract becomes apparent.
In the second stage of the discovery process clients identify the presenting problems in the relationship, and the things they would like to change in themselves, their partner and/or the relationship. This problem list forms the basis of the aims and objectives for treatment.
The third part of the programme is to design a new marital contract in all areas of marital life i.e:
- finance
- household chores
- shared-child rearing
- physical intimacy
- time together
- time apart
- holidays
which better reflects each partners expectations in the marriage. Each of these is negotiated between partners. Then this is drawn up as a document which both clients can refer to.
Therapy session lasts 75 minutes per weekly session and have both self discovery, behavioural (doing) and cognitive (thinking) components. There is a series of techniques used which clients practice at home to augment what is learned in each session. Emphasis on challenging misconceptions, bias and prejudice in thinking and behaving, negative automatic thoughts, improving communication between the partners and improve relationship skills.
