Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a therapist with clinical experience working with couples, most often a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), helps two people involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. Although the practice of couples therapy may vary depending on the therapist’s theoretical orientation, all couples therapy tends to involve the following general elements:
A focus on a specific problem (i.e. sexual difficulties, Internet addiction, jealousy) Active participation on the part of the therapist in treating the relationship itself, rather than each individual separately. Solution-focused, change-oriented interventions early on in treatment. A clear establishment of treatment objectives. In research conducted by the American Association of Marriage and Family, more than 97% of surveyed couples said they got the help they needed from couples therapy. In addition, 93% of couples said therapy gave them more effective tools for dealing with conflict.