Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and effective approach to addressing various mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, etc. While it is generally associated with individual therapy, CBT can be effective for couples and relationship issues as well. In this article, we will explore how CBT can help couples with relationship problems.
Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) For Couples
CBT is based on the assumption that our thoughts have an impact on our emotions and behaviour. Hence, changing our thoughts can help change our feelings and actions as well. Thus, CBT for couples focuses on identifying and changing dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviours that might be contributing to relationship difficulties. It also focuses on helping couples develop skills to manage emotions and conflicts effectively
How Does CBT Help Couples?
Although CBT is commonly associated with individual issues, it can help couples in multiple ways, such as:
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Identifying Negative Thought Patterns
As mentioned earlier, CBT believes that unhelpful behaviours are a result of negative thoughts. Thus, CBT puts a lot of emphasis on identifying one’s negative thought patterns that might be contributing to the relationship conflict. These negative thought patterns may include cognitive distortions such as jumping to conclusions, catastrophizing, or overgeneralizing, etc. Identifying these thoughts is crucial, as it gives both partners an idea about the triggers or situations that are likely to cause conflict.
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Identifying Core Beliefs
CBT also assumes that our core beliefs shape our thoughts. Core beliefs are deep-seated unconscious ideas that we have about ourselves, life and others. These core beliefs are generally negative, and thus, they can cause significant conflict in the relationship. Once partners become aware of these core beliefs, they can collaborate with the therapist and work towards changing them.
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Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is the process of challenging unhelpful, negative thoughts that might be leading to relationship issues. By replacing negative thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones, partners can improve communication, resolve conflicts more effectively, and create understanding and empathy, leading to a healthier and happier relationship.
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Addressing Underlying Individual Issues
Many times, unresolved personal, or individual issues with one or both partners can be a cause of conflict within the relationship. CBT can help partners uncover these underlying issues and provide them with strategies to cope with these issues more effectively. Thus, CBT can be very helpful if one or both partners have underlying issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety or addiction.
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Skill Development
CBT not only works with thoughts but also helps couples change any unhealthy patterns of interaction or behaviour that might be leading to conflict. It empowers couples with skills such as active listening, assertiveness, and empathy. And problem-solving strategies that can help couples express their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully, enhancing understanding and reducing misunderstandings.
CBT also focuses on teaching couples skills to cope with their emotions constructively, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and emotion regulation strategies. By learning to regulate their emotions, couples can navigate conflicts more effectively and promote emotional intimacy.
Is CBT Effective For Couples?
There have been multiple research studies to suggest that CBT can help address various issues among couples. Let’s look at some of them:
- A study suggests that 75% of couples experience improvement after undergoing CBT
- A study conducted in 2017 found that CBT can improve psychological well-being, marital intimacy and quality of life among couples.
- Another study from 2018 had similar findings, in which it was concluded that CBT improved intimacy and identification of needs among couples.
- Another study from 2020 concluded that CBT can help couples improve marital adjustment. At the same time, it also helped in addressing anxiety and depression symptoms among partners.
Conclusion:
In summary, cognitive behaviour therapy can be an effective approach in addressing relationship problems among couples, as it can help them not only identify but also change their negative thoughts, while also helping them develop skills to address conflict in healthier ways.
References:
- Durães, R. S. S., Khafif, T. C., Lotufo-Neto, F., & Serafim, A. de P. (2020). Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy on Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Increasing Dyadic Adjustment and Marital Social Skills: An Exploratory Study. The Family Journal, 28(4), 344–355. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480720902410
- Ebadi, Z., Pasha, R., Hafezi, F., & Eftekhar, Z. (2018). The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Marital Intimacy and Identification of the Basic Psychological Needs among Couples Referring to Counseling Centers. Avicenna Journal of Neuro Psycho Physiology, 5(4), 189–196. https://doi.org/10.32598/ajnpp.4.3.290
- Epstein, N. B., & Zheng, L. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral couple therapy. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 142–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.09.004
- How Do Couples Therapists Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? | Regain. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2024, from https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/how-do-couples-therapists-use-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/
- Maleki, N., Madahi, M. E., Mohammadkhani, S., & Khala’tbari, J. (2017). The effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy on Psychological Well Being, Marital Intimacy, and Life Quality of Chaotic Couples. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 1(4), 23–33.
