While the terms ‘couples counselling’ and ‘couples therapy’ are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
While both may help couples improve their relationships and overcome challenges, they do this using different approaches, goals, and techniques. It’s important to understand the differences between couples therapy and couples counselling in Adelaide to ensure you choose the one that best meets your needs.
The dedicated team at Ros Yuen Psychology offers a variety of services that are designed to help clients build healthier, more resilient relationships. No two clients are alike, which is why couples counselling looks different for everyone and is tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Contact us today for more information.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is generally for couples who consistently exhibit unhealthy patterns of behaviour. Both parties work with a therapist in an effort to identify factors that contribute to conflicts, helping to rebuild trust and allow couples to relate to each other in healthier ways.
Its goal is to:
- Get to the root cause of issues
- Help identify specific areas of the relationship that may need attention
- Deepen emotional intimacy
- Look at the relationship’s past history, arguments, and conflicts
- Address the ‘whys’, then focus on the ‘hows’
- Focus on both joint and individual issues
- Determine why those obstacles exist
- Develop problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Help both parties learn how to better communicate
It may be particularly beneficial for couples with issues around substance abuse, infidelity, health issues (such as depression or chronic pain), and/or parenting.
Techniques Used in Couples Therapy
Various techniques may be used to help couples improve communication, deepen their emotional intimacy, and address issues within the relationship. These include:
- The Gottman Method
This technique emphasises the importance of building a solid friendship as the foundation for a healthy relationship.
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
This technique allows couples to constructively identify and express their emotions, as well as empathise with their partner’s emotions.
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
This technique focuses on changing negative patterns of behaviour.
The techniques that are ultimately used will depend on the couple’s specific needs and goals, as well as their chosen therapist’s training.
When to Seek Couples Therapy
This is generally best suited to couples experiencing serious and ongoing relationship conflicts. It may help couples get to the root cause of issues that they’re experiencing with the aim of identifying and breaking unhealthy patterns. As such, couples often seek therapy when they’re on the brink of separating as a final resort to try to save the relationship.
What is Couples Counselling?
Sometimes referred to as marriage counselling, this is typically less formal and more short-term. It’s also not just for couples experiencing a specific issue– it may be used to prepare a relationship for future challenges by helping the couple develop communication and conflict resolution skills.
Its goal is to:
- Help couples face challenges together
- Get a relationship back on track
- Deepen the emotional connection
- Focus on the present
- Provide an opportunity to talk through differences before they cause major conflict
- Allow couples to build a strong, happy foundation
- Mend trust or rekindle the relationship
Techniques Used in Couples Counselling
Various techniques may be used to help couples improve their relationship as a whole, as well as address a specific issue that they’re currently experiencing. These include:
Solution-Focused Therapy
This technique focuses on helping couples to identify and work towards specific goals in their relationships.
The Gottman Method
This technique emphasises a solid friendship and emotional connection as being the foundation for a healthy relationship.
Imago Therapy
This technique focuses on helping couples to understand and address childhood wounds or trauma that may impact their relationship.
The techniques that are ultimately used will depend on the couple’s specific needs and goals, as well as their chosen therapist’s training.
When to Seek Couples Counselling
This may be a great option for couples wanting to develop tools for building a healthy relationship. It may benefit couples who are not yet married, who are looking to bring the spark back to their relationship, or who are experiencing a specific issue that is causing conflict. The idea is to learn how to deal with issues before they cause damage to the relationship.
Which One May be Right for You?
Knowing whether couples therapy or couples counselling may be the right choice for your relationship can be challenging, as there is a lot of crossover between the two. Understanding the reasons why you’re seeking professional help and what you ultimately hope to achieve from this will go a long way in helping you reach a decision.
If you’re experiencing challenges in your relationship, please reach out to the compassionate team at Ros Yuen Psychology. We offer relationship counselling and therapy for a range of issues and take a personalised approach to ensure that the needs of both parties are met.
