Committed relationships are difficult. The type of couple’s therapy that I have practiced, taught, and supervised for years is called Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT). This is an evidence-based therapy that is flexibly applied to meet the unique needs of each couple, despite similar themes that may arise in most relationships.
The first session involves meeting with the couple together to clarify the issues. The next two sessions include meeting with each of the individuals in the relationship separately to get a personal history and a better idea of what each identify to be the areas to work on. The fourth session is considered a “feedback session” in which the three of us discuss major themes that may be contributing to the issues and identifying realistic goals to help improve the relationship.
The sessions following the “feedback session” are much more informal and involve themes related to assertive communication and listening, acceptance-based approaches, and building improved intimacy. Same-sex and opposite-sex relationships are welcome, and the couple does not need to be married.