Couple Therapy: An Overview

Relationship issues are a common presenting problem for psychotherapists. Some therapists work with the individual, while others work primarily with the couple. Such practices occur in a context in which formal training in couple therapy is difficult to access. This presentation is concerned with providing an overview of practical and theoretical considerations in the practice of couple therapy with both parties present. It will draw on a range of perspectives including family life stage development, systems and psychodynamic theories to conceptualise relationship issues.

There will also be discussion of how to set up the frame for couple therapy, with a clear process for how the therapy will unfold, so as to avoid blurring boundaries with individual therapy. Particular reference will be made to managing triangulation, the process by which the therapist gets caught up with the couple dynamics, so that one party feels that the therapist is on their partner’s side.