subject: Be stronger with couples therapy [print this page] Be stronger with couples therapy Be stronger with couples therapy
A perfect relationship does not exist. All relationships undergo troubles or conflicts for it involves two different individuals with their own problems, moods, desires and needs. These two also have their own experiences and issues from the past that have shaped them into the persons that they are at present. So when all these issues, conflicts, individual concerns, and differences sprout and clash together, both parties are bound to get hurt and frustrated with one another. Such frustration sprouts from a shattered fantasy of the ideal partner and relationship. Fantasies are gone and realization sinks in. It is actually up to the couple if they want to resolve their issues or they simply go their separate ways. But for those who want to stick together through thick and thin, it would be advisable for them to undergo couples psychotherapy.
"Psychotherapy" comes from the Greek words "psyche" that connotes the spirit or soul, and "therapeia" which means to cure. Psychotherapy therefore is a way of curing the spirit or soul when it has problems. Psychological, emotional, mental and behavioral problems such as trauma, stress, depression, addictions, and marital and family disputes can be addressed and resolved through psychotherapy administered by a counselor, therapist or shrink. The latter talks to the patient and engages him in a conversation so that the patient would be able to open up about his past and present troubles. Through the conversation, the counselor hopes to give advice to the patient on how to resolve these problems and make the patient feel better than before.
With couples psychotherapy, a trip down memory lane is essential. The individual histories of both partners as well as the history of the relationship will be revisited and reviewed. Through this, the couple would be able to understand each other's point of view and where he or she is coming from. The root of the marital problem will be dissected and discussed and from there, it is the goal of the therapist to make each partner be aware of the issues and to accept their faults. The aim is to understand, accept, forgive, forget and hopefully start anew. It is not the therapist who shall decide if the couple should stick it out or not. It is still the couple who will come to an agreement. They should be willing to accept that there is a problem and solutions can be arrived at. The psychotherapist must also have the necessary skills to make the couple open up and be eager to tell their own sides of the story.
It is not the aim of couples therapy to separate a couple. It is there not to judge, but to guide them to be considerate, tolerant and accepting persons and hopefully better partners and parents.
