The word relationship is oftentimes stereotyped with a sexual or romantic meaning. But not all relationships are sexual or romantic. A relationship is a connection between two people. The four basic types of relationships are family relationships, friendship, acquaintanceships, and romantic relationships.
Hence, relationship therapy is one of the numerous forms of counseling. It involves people in a relationship receiving assistance in resolving conflicts or problems in their relationship. Relationship therapy is available to help a relationship that is dwindling or has gone south. It may be siblings, marriage, a parent and child, or friends seeking therapy. Hence, it is not limited to involving just two people in a romantic relationship.
As earlier defined, relationship therapy helps solve relationship problems. Common relationship problems that usually involve the need to seek a therapist are:
- Communication issues
- Infidelity
- Intimacy issues
- Emotional distance
We will focus more on the most common and effective therapy methods. Each method will relate to romantic and platonic relationships. Imago relationship therapy and Child-Parent relationship therapy.
Imago Relationship Therapy
The word “Imago” is a Latin word meaning ” unconscious image of familiar love”. Adult experiences in a relationship are sometimes linked to childhood experiences. For example, the parent abandons a child at an early age. The child grows into an adult and gets into a relationship. But later on, begins to have feelings of loneliness and fear of abandonment in the relationship.
The essence of this therapy method is to make couples learn to understand each other’s feelings. Also, IRT helps reveal the emotional pathway that was formed in childhood, leading to current situations. The aim is to heal childhood wounds, not to affect the relationship. Furthermore, it improves communication and listening skills between partners.
5 Steps Of Imago Therapy
Imago relationship therapy consists of 5 basic steps:
- Reimagine your partner as a wounded child.
- Romantic gestures via pleasurable surprises, gift-giving, and displays of appreciation.
- Restructure your disappointments and frustrations by changing complaints into requests.
- Resolve feelings of extreme anger.
- See the relationship as a source of happiness, satisfaction, and safety.
Meanwhile, the intentional dialogue process is the most important aspect of Imago Relationship Therapy. This dialogue incorporates speaking and listening techniques that facilitate contingent communication.
The first step of intentional dialogue, mirroring, involves repeating your partner’s words. During the validation phase, the listening partner summarizes and expresses understanding of the points his partner raised.
Showing empathy is the final step of the dialogue process, and it encourages each person to try to appreciate the experience in question from his or her partner’s point of view.
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Child-Parent Relationship Therapy
Child-parent relationship therapy is a 10-week therapy program in which the therapist teaches parents and guardians of children the skills that can be used during playtime with their child. So, CPRT aims to strengthen the quality of the parent-child attachment bond and reduce child behaviour problems and stress in parent-child relationships.
Raising kids, toddlers, or adolescents can be challenging. In addition to high tantrum rates, there will always be power tussles between the parent and child. Hence, CPRT seeks to support parents and caregivers to learn how to:
- Regain control without being aggressive
- Help the child develop self-control
- Support in implementing discipline to limit inappropriate behaviour
- Understand the child’s emotional needs with ease.
Relationship Therapy for Singles
As earlier said, relationship therapy is not just for couples. Single people can benefit from relationship therapy, too. It sets up good habits for when they decide to date again. As a result, it promotes self-love and helps them examine their own behaviour. Furthermore, attending relationship therapy as a single person hugely benefits your future relationship.
Going to therapy while single is a form of self-care. Also, someone coming out of a breakup can engage their own heart again to reflect on why they love the way they love. The therapy helps you decide what you want in a partner and to date in a healthy and positive way when you finally get back into the dating scene.
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Relationship Therapy Online
In recent times, we have lived through a pandemic and numerous lockdowns. Sometimes, waiting can cause more damage or affect your relationship. You may not get around to seeing a therapist or booking an appointment. Therefore, this can cause delays. And you know what they say, the delay is dangerous. Online therapy meets your needs in the comfort of your home, in your spare time. Besides the fact that it is convenient, it is also effective. Here are some recommended sites for relationship therapy:
- Betterhelp. com
- Couples therapy Inc
- Rethink My Therapy
- Regain
- Amwell
- Talkspace
- OurRelationship
Check out these therapy sites, and get mental and emotional peace today.
What Does a Relationship Therapist Do?
A relationship therapist is someone who is trained professionally in psychotherapy, also known as couples therapy or couples counseling.
Couples of all types can benefit from this type of counseling since it enables them to investigate, acknowledge, and overcome difficulties to strengthen their relationships and interactions.
What Therapy Is Best for Relationships?
Some of the best therapies for relationships include;
- Reflective listening.
- Emotionally focused therapy.
- Narrative therapy.
- Gottman Method.
- Imago relationship therapy.
- Solution-focused therapy.
Do Therapists Help With Relationship Problems?
A therapist can assist you and your partner identify the source of your problems, develop new communication methods, and strengthen your bond.
What Is a Toxic Relationship?
A toxic relationship makes you feel abandoned, misunderstood, devalued, or attacked. Fundamentally, any relationship that makes you feel worse rather than better over time might become toxic.
When Should You Quit a Relationship?
The following are signs you should quit a relationship;
- Physical and/or emotional abuse.
- Cheating
- No sense of purpose.
- Deceit.
- Addiction.
- Lack of respect.
- Emotional distance.
- Prolonged unhappiness.
Conclusion
Relationship therapy helps couples and individuals build healthier, more fulfilling connections by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and deepening emotional intimacy. Through guided support, partners can develop understanding, trust, and practical strategies to strengthen their bond. Ultimately, relationship therapy fosters growth, resilience, and lasting positive change in relationships.
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What type of therapy is used for relationships?
