A Guide To Couples Therapy

What type is best for me?

When couples are in distress, they look toward couples therapy for help. However, with so many couples therapy models, the search might feel daunting. This article provides an overview of each major couples therapy framework to serve as a guide.

Imago Couples Therapy: Connecting Through Healing

Imago therapy focuses on healing childhood wounds within the context of a romantic relationship. The belief is that people choose partners based on unconscious images of past caregivers and seek healing from these early relationships through their partners.

The core of Imago therapy is the Imago dialogue, a structured conversation that includes three steps: mirroring, validation, and empathy. This allows couples to communicate deeply, fostering understanding even during difficult discussions.

Gottman Method: Structured and Directive Couples Therapy

Created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the Gottman Method is based on decades of research on relationship dynamics. One of its most powerful tools is the Sound Relationship House, which helps couples strengthen their relationship through core components like trust, commitment, and conflict management. During Gottman Method Therapy, the therapist assesses the couples for strengths and weaknesses in their dynamic and provides direction regarding how to improve their weaknesses.

Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT): Understanding Attachment

Developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin, PACT centers on the concept of secure attachment within relationships. It explores how emotional and physiological responses impact couples and teaches partners to develop a “couple bubble” that fosters security and connection.

PACT highlights the importance of understanding each other’s attachment styles and psychobiological needs to build a strong, resilient bond.

Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Confronting Patterns for Change

Developed by Dr. Terry Real, Relational Life Therapy focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their behavior in relationships. It emphasizes the importance of directness, honesty, and understanding gender dynamics and trauma in relationships. RLT uses a process of loving confrontation to help partners recognize dysfunctional patterns, heal from past wounds, and adopt healthier relational habits.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): The Power of Empathy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is grounded in attachment theory, focusing on creating emotional safety and fostering secure bonds between partners. EFT helps couples identify and break unhealthy interaction patterns, encouraging vulnerability and connection. Key interventions include cycle tracking, where therapists guide couples in mapping out negative interaction cycles, and evocative responding, where therapists help partners process emotions that may not be directly expressed.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Relationship

Each type of couples therapy offers guidance toward healing your relationship. However, some models fit better with certain couples. In your search for the "right fit", consider the types of issues you and your partner are facing the style that matches your own personalities and needs best.

Couples Therapy at A Better Life Therapy

At A Better Life Therapy we have couples therapists trained in many different types of couples therapy to best meet your needs. You can read more about couples therapy at our office here.