Expert reveals the benefits of couple therapy
In love and marriage, couples may encounter various challenges that test the strength of their bond. Whether facing communication issues, trust concerns, or the impact of life's stressors, seeking support through couple therapy can be a transformative step toward a healthy relationship. NewsBytes touched base with Dr. Rashmi Satpute, Consultant - Psychiatrist, Manipal Hospitals, Pune, to understand deeper into why couple therapy is important.
What exactly is couple therapy?
According to Dr. Satpute, couple therapy is a type of psychotherapy focused on helping a couple work through challenges, understand their relationship better, and develop healthier ways of relating to one another. "Most commonly, couples have problems related to communication issues, trust issues, lack of respect, difficulty around sex, financial issues, and issues with new parenthood," she says.
Therapy process
Couple therapy involves talking through relationship challenges as a couple with a certified therapist who is trained to get to the bottom of the issue. The therapist uses specific techniques and interventions to support the couple's goals. The therapist will ask specific questions to help the partners communicate in healthier and more honest ways while helping them approach conflicts from a different perspective.
Effective when both partners are involved
Typically, a therapist also looks for issues like clinical depression among the couples. Usually, about 8-12 sessions are required in total with one session per week for the therapy. "It is effective when both people are willing to give time and be involved in the process to learn, grow, and heal as individuals and as a couple," Dr. Satpute says.
Who should go for therapy?
Dr. Satpute explains a few different scenarios under which a couple should seek therapy. For instance, if arguments among a couple are more destructive with no resolution or if a partner is feeling distant from the other. It could also be helpful when the partners want to improve their relationship or when they need a change from couplehood to parenthood.
