The popularity of Couples therapy has been on the rise since the 1980's. But how effective IS couples therapy and what do you need to be aware of when deciding if couples therapy is right for you and your partner?
In the 1980’s, couples therapy was around 50% effective which is not such a strong statistic. Today, with the advancements in overall mental health and relationship research along with more effective treatment approaches, the overall success rate is up to 70% (According to the Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy)! Now that’s something to write home about.
But why are there still so many couples that experience little to no progress in therapy?
Beside the scenario where one or both partners are just not invested in doing the work, there are 5 general reasons that contribute to ineffective or even harmful couples therapy.
Abuse: Any level of physical, emotional or sexual abuse that is occurring in the relationship should never be treated in the context of couples therapy. This is an individual issue and requires individual intervention separate from couples therapy. The risk of harm and continued revictimization of the partner is extremely high if attempting to address couples therapy.
An active substance abuse/addiction. If one or both partners have an active addiction, this is an individual issue that must be addressed before couples work can be effective.
An undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorder/past trauma. Diagnoses or trauma left untreated can be a barrier to couples work. These are also individual issues that require individual interventions.
An ongoing affair of any kind. An ongoing affair, whether emotional or physical, will impact the effectiveness of couples work. Attention will be divided and lack of commitment will be a barrier to progress.
Active use of Pornagraphy. Pornography usage at any level negatively impacts the brain and nervous system which stands as a barrier to authentic connection and safety in a relationship.
In addition to any of the above client-presenting issues, a final factor in Couples therapy ineffectiveness can be the lack of expertise of the therapist.
Obviously, this is close to my heart.
Couples work is a specialty~ where licenses or certifications are a must with proper experience and training. Too many therapists advertise they do couples work with little to no training which leads to lack of progress or even harm. To find a qualified couples therapist, look for the “LMFT” license (in Texas) or LPC or LCSW licenses that have additional training or certifications in couples therapy approaches such as Gottman, EFT or Restoration Therapy, to name a few.
Interested in learning if couples therapy is right for you and your partner? Visit our “Couples Therapy” page to see the innovative approach we use with couples to improve session progress and overall couple wellness!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-it-together/201712/couples-therapy-does-it-really-work
EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY: INTRODUCTION
Douglas H. Sprenkle, First published: 08 June 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2003.tb00385.
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