The 7 areas of exploration of problems in couple’s therapy

These are the main areas to look for relationship problems during couples therapy.

Couples therapy is becoming increasingly popular and in demand. This happens, among other things, because as time goes by, the stereotypical and myth-based image that psychological intervention focuses only on individuals who have developed psychopathologies is crumbling, and on the other, because "going to the psychologist" is very normalized nowadays. And also, of course, because of the effectiveness of this type of therapy and the development of new techniques and strategies designed to suit a wide variety of cases.

The latter is especially important, given that couple therapy can take many forms. In fact, the process applied to people who use this service can vary greatly depending on the needs to be addressed and the objectives to be achieved, although the context and the basic guidelines of communication and therapeutic relationship are the same. That yes, before establishing the plan to follow throughout the sessions, it is necessary to study the case and to identify which are the root problems that have motivated the consultation.

The main areas of exploration of problems in couples therapy.

Although each case is unique, in general, in the early stages of couples therapy, special emphasis is placed on exploring these possible sources of problems in the coexistence and love relationship of those who come to the couple's office. of those who come to the psychologist's office.

1. Imbalances in the sharing of responsibilities

This section includes household chores, raising children (if any) and everything related to the purchase of products necessary to live together. Of course, this is one of the areas where gender roles this is one of the areas where gender roles have the most influence: it is common for women to bear the brunt of most of the household chores.It is common for women to carry most of the domestic work in addition to having a working life.

2. Imbalances in time spent in each other's company.

It is very important to have quality time to spend with the other person, but not everyone values this equally or has the right perception of what the other person wants in this respect. It is very common to assume that work always takes priority over free time spent with the loved one, e.g.This makes the other person feel frustrated or even guilty about the possibility of asking the other person to work less or to be better organized.

3. Sexual dissatisfaction

Asymmetries in expectations, preferences and tastes regarding sexual relations are often among the most frequent triggers of problems in dating relationships or marriages, and are also a taboo subject for the other person. are also a taboo subject for many couples.. For this reason, in couples therapy we often analyze whether both partners are satisfied in the area of sexuality, and if they are not, why this is the case.

4. Managing arguments

The simple fact of knowing how to approach an argument can make all the difference.. For some people it is simply the embodiment of a clash of interests that can be resolved without resorting to attacks or any form of violence; for others, it is a struggle of egos in which one must prevail at all costs, and between these two options, there is a whole scale of grays.

5. Self-esteem problems and insecurities

Personal insecurities and self-esteem problems can affect couple dynamics. can affect couple dynamics in many waysNot wanting to know the other person's friends, not wanting to show one's nakedness, assuming that it is the other person who should make all the decisions, etc.

6. Jealousy and controlling tendencies

Jealousy leads to feeling bad about not being able to control much of what the other person does.. In extreme cases, they lead to abuse, and in such cases the problem should not be dealt with through couple therapy, but through legal proceedings and the search for protection from the State authorities.

7. Differences in future plans

This has to do both with the type of commitment that one wants to establish in the relationship, as well as with expectations about what one will do with one's own life or where one would like the relationship to go. In many cases it is hard to manage the discrepancies in this facet of the relationship, and professional support is sought to achieve this..

Are you interested in couples therapy services?

If you are thinking of starting a couple's therapy process, please contact us. At PsicoConsulting we specialize in psychological therapy in sessions focused on the individual, as well as in family and couple therapy, and nowadays we offer our clients the format of online therapy by video call. You will find us at our center located in Barcelona.

Bibliographical references:

• Blow, A.J. & Hartnett, K. (2005). Infidelity in Committed Relationships II: A Substantive Review. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 31: pp. 217 - 233.
• Carreño, M. (1991). Psychosocial aspects of romantic relationships. Santiago de Compostela: University of Santiago de Compostela.
• Dattilio, F.M. & Padesky, C.A. (2004). Terapia Cognitiva con parejas. Bilbao: Editorial Desclée De Brouwer.
• Lepore, J. (2010). The rise of marriage therapy, and other dreams of human betterment. New York: The New Yorker.
• Sternberg, R.J. (1987). Liking vs. loving: a comparative evaluation of theories. Psychological Bulletin, 102(3): pp. 331 - 345.