Couples Therapy

What is person-centred couples therapy?

Rooted in the principles developed by Carl Rogers, this approach emphasizes a non-directive, empathetic, and genuine therapeutic environment in which each partner feels valued and understood. The therapist strives to see the world from each partner's perspective and encourages honest expression of feelings and thoughts. Each partner is supported in their journey toward personal growth and self-awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.

The therapy process begins with creating a safe space by building trust and establishing a non-threatening, supportive environment. Active listening and reflecting are key components of the sessions, which will often feel like a mirror, reflecting the true essence of partner’s feelings and thoughts and promoting a sense of being understood. In this process, the couple gradually develops the trust and confidence to articulate feelings and needs effectively, exploring underlying emotions and thoughts, and promoting mutual understanding and empathy. This way, therapy becomes a journey of discovery and understanding between partners.

While the general direction of therapy is towards empowerment, it’s important to acknowledge that some sessions might be challenging as they involve confronting difficult emotions. Not every session will leave partners feeling good, but even the challenging moments contribute to the overall growth and empowerment process. It is also important to understand that since person-centred therapy focuses on deep emotional understanding and genuine connection, it may take some time before partners start experiencing substantial changes. Generally, couples might begin to notice positive shifts in their communication and emotional connection within the first few months. However, the full benefits of therapy often unfold gradually over a longer period.

Finally, it's essential to recognize that positive outcomes of therapy are not guaranteed. While many couples experience a stronger emotional bond and better conflict resolution skills, others might find that therapy brings underlying issues to the surface. For some couples, therapy might reveal incompatibilities or deeply entrenched issues that are difficult to resolve, potentially leading to the decision to part ways. For others, the process of exploring these challenges might ultimately strengthen their relationship and lead to even deeper mutual respect and understanding. 

The journey of therapy can sometimes be challenging and uncomfortable, but it often provides valuable insights and growth opportunities regardless of the outcome.