Couple therapy is one of the most effective ways to improve couples' relationships. In this process, the focus is on recognizing and solving problems that may have arisen in marital relationships. Couples therapy can help couples improve their communication skills and achieve healthier relationships. **What is couple therapy?** Couples therapy is a counseling process conducted by psychologists that helps couples identify and manage problems and challenges in their relationships. In this type of therapy, couples find ways to improve their relationship with the help of a therapist. This therapy can be useful for a variety of issues including family disputes, infidelity, communication problems or even stress management and marital crises. The goal of couples therapy is to increase relationship satisfaction and create greater understanding between couples. Read more: Reasons for regret after divorce in couples **Who is the couple therapist**? A couple therapist is a psychologist or counselor who has special expertise in solving marital problems and couple relationships. This person helps to improve relationships by using various psychological techniques. **use of couples therapy** Couples therapy has a wide range of uses, from improving communication to helping resolve major crises. This method is very effective for couples who feel distant or unable to communicate properly. Couples therapy can also be helpful for couples dealing with complex family issues or financial problems. This treatment not only improves the relationship of couples, but also has a positive effect on children and family members. Read more: What is speech therapy? **Benefits of couples therapy** Couples therapy has many benefits, including increased mutual understanding, improved communication skills, and reduced relationship tension. Also, this therapy helps couples to better cope with their emotions and strengthen their ability to solve problems. Another important benefit of couples therapy is creating a safe space to talk about problems. This safe space can help couples express their feelings without fear of judgment and work to improve their relationship. When should couple therapy be done? Many couples think of counseling when they face a serious problem or dispute. But we must point out that counseling and couples therapy can bring benefits in any period of the relationship. In this consultation: - Common goals are established between couples. - The value of each person is determined in the relationship. - Problems will be discussed. - A more intimate relationship will be established between couples. In some cases, homework and tasks are considered for the couple that they should do at home and before the next treatment session. Many lives have ended in separation due to lack of support from both sides and failure to pursue problem solving. But the consultant can prevent this disconnection. **Requirements to participate in couple therapy sessions** To participate in couples therapy sessions, both parties must be willing to change and improve their relationship. Also, couples should be ready to follow the therapist's recommendations and be patient in the treatment process. Another important condition is to have a clear goal to participate in the treatment. The goal can include improving communication or solving specific problems. **Duration of couples therapy** The duration of the treatment depends on the type of problems and the cooperation of the couple. Usually, couple therapy sessions take between 8 and 20 sessions. Some problems may require more sessions, but many couples see positive changes after just a few sessions. **common techniques of couple therapy** Couple therapy refers to a set of methods and techniques that are implemented with the aim of improving relationships between couples and solving their communication problems. In this section, some common couples therapy techniques are discussed with full explanations: ### **1. behavioral therapy for couples** This technique is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its main goal is to identify and change negative thought and behavioral patterns in couples' relationships. The therapist helps couples identify their negative thoughts and mistaken beliefs about each other. Unhealthy behaviors such as frequent blaming or judgment are examined and replaced with positive behaviors. **Example:** A couple who regularly discuss financial issues learn to manage their problems by talking and setting a joint budget. ### **2. Emotion-Focused Therapy** In this method, the feelings and emotions of the couple are in the center of attention and the therapist tries to identify and correct negative emotional patterns. The therapist helps the couple to express their suppressed or misinterpreted emotions. **Example:** A couple who are unable to express their emotional needs, learn to express their feelings clearly and without fear. ### **3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy** This technique focuses on accepting the weaknesses and problems of the other party and committing to improving the relationship. Couples are taught to avoid constantly blaming and changing their partner. The therapist helps them set common goals and strengthen their commitments. **Example:** A couple struggling with cultural differences learns to accept their differences and live with respect. ### **4. Active listening technique** Active listening is one of the simplest and most effective couple therapy techniques that help improve communication between couples. The therapist teaches each couple to listen to the other without interrupting or prejudging. **Example:** A couple under tension due to repeated misunderstandings learns to better understand and resolve problems by using active listening. ### **5. Short-term couples therapy** This method focuses on finding practical solutions to current problems and is suitable for couples looking for quick solutions. Instead of examining the past, the therapist focuses on current problems and finding practical solutions. **Example:** A couple who disagrees about the upbringing of their children, reaches an agreement through practical techniques. ### **6. relationship reconstruction technique** This method helps couples get to the emotional roots of their conflicts and use past experiences to improve current relationships. Investigating the childhood experiences of each couple that have influenced their behavior in the relationship. **Example:** A couple in which one partner experienced parental abandonment as a child learns to understand this experience as part of their partner's current behavior. These techniques are selected and implemented according to the needs and conditions of each couple. The active cooperation of couples with the therapist is the key to success in any of these methods **Necessary care after couples therapy** After the couples therapy sessions, couples should implement the exercises and recommendations provided by the therapist. These exercises include practicing communication skills and strengthening relationships. In addition, it is very important for couples to continue making changes and periodically review the relationship. Is couples therapy only for couples who are in trouble? No, as mentioned before, going to counseling and couples therapy in any period of the relationship can be useful and prevent future problems. Couple therapy and marriage counseling are two very good advices for couples in solving life problems and challenges. Sometimes, when you are in a difficult situation, words may be said that upset one of the couples. The sooner such problems are resolved, the deeper and romantic relationship will definitely be formed. That's why it's never too late to do couples therapy. ### Is it possible to have a child in couples therapy? No, it is usually recommended that couples do not bring children with them. Because the main focus of this consultation is the behaviors and relationships of parents. In these meetings, we talk about issues that may not be suitable for the child and may cause problems for the child. In such a situation, we may have to change the focus of the discussion and couple therapy will lose its effectiveness. Is couples therapy the same as marriage counseling? Marriage counseling is usually done when couples have religious and cultural differences and cannot solve their problems alone. Therefore, marriage counseling is different from couple therapy. **Cost of couple therapy sessions** The cost of couples therapy sessions may vary depending on the location of the clinic, the therapist's expertise, and the number of sessions. It is better to get complete information about the costs before starting the treatment. **Conclusion** Couple therapy is a valuable opportunity to improve relationships and solve marital problems. By choosing the right therapist and adhering to the treatment process, couples can experience a healthier and happier life together.