Different Techniques for Relationship Counselling

A happy and prosperous relationship between two individuals is hard to maintain, and requires a lot of work. Sometimes, no matter how much a couple want their relationship to work, they can reach a point where they will question their compatibility with one another due to external or internal forces. Admitting there are problem in communication and a willingness to work through this shows incredible resilience for the couple. Enlisting the services of a professional psychologist to assist in relationship counselling can help bring to surface any couple intimacy issues.

Approaches and techniques to relationship counselling for couples

There are many two different approaches that are implemented for couples who are undergoing relationship counselling. The psychodynamic approach individually assesses each partner to uncover their history and motivations in order to reveal a central problem that affects their current relationship. A systems approach takes into consideration how a couple interacts, behaves and communicates with each other: different expectations can cause strain on the relationship.

A primary technique to determine problems and solutions in a relationship breakdown is through communication awareness and patterns. A qualified psychologist will observe flawed communication patterns and then emphasise listening and articulation techniques. The psychologist acts as a negotiator in this role play.

Another technique used in relationship counselling is reframing, where the psychologist encourages a negative thought, action or situation into a positive. This allows the couple to interpret a challenging aspect of their relationship into a new, more positive light.

The Empty Chair technique involves each member elucidating their personal problems and concerns in the relationship to the empty chair, which represents their absent partner. Then, they sit in the chair and express how they think their partner feels. This method helps to bring out the other partner’s perspective in a relationship counselling session.

Relationship counselling techniques

All of these techniques encourage a couple in the relationship to be more open with one another and to effectively talk about problems as they arise. A qualified psychologist can work with a couple to positively influence and change their interaction to fulfil a closer relationship with one another using relationship counselling techniques.

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