The 4 benefits of preventive couples therapy

Relationship problems can be very varied, but beyond their characteristics and the way in which they express themselves in coexistence, another factor must also be taken into account: the time.

And it is that it is not the same to try to overcome this type of problems when they are just appearing, than when the option of ending the affective relationship is already on the table; the forms of discomfort to be treated are different, and so are the possible solutions.

Therefore, in this article We will talk about the benefits of preventive couples therapy, that is, in the early stages of the problem to be overcome so that the love bond remains strong and stable.

• Related article: "How to avoid couple conflicts?"

Why attend preventive couples therapy?

It is common to talk about love practically as if it were an object, something that "has" within oneself.

This essentialist view of what it means to love someone makes us forget that this set of Emotions are actually a set of psychological predispositions, that is, they are based on the Actions. AND

actions are always something that evolves: are located not so much in space as in time.

For this reason, it is important that, when we identify problems in the coexistence of couple, in the way of interacting with the other or in the way of expressing love, let us take into account that every affective relationship is a process, something that develops over time and that it has its different phases, each one with its own characteristics.

This implies that the possible couple crises that may arise are not something irremediable, they are not they mean that this relationship has never been authentic or that it is already based on a incompatibility.

And it also means that The sooner we react to these alarm signals, the better.; The simple fact of preventing the situation from creating conflicts and painful situations to remember is already a factor that protects the intensity and consistency of that love.

• You may be interested in: "The 5 types of couples therapy"

Benefits of preventative couples therapy

Going to couples therapy when the situation of the love relationship has not yet become a constant source of unhappiness It allows you to avoid many problems and suffering. These are the most beneficial aspects of this type of intervention by psychologists trained in couples therapy.

1. Prevent problems from becoming chronic

When couple problems have just started, they can appear and disappear more fluidly, depending a lot on the context. However, as time passes, the people involved in the relationship are more likely to get used to it. poor management of this problem, causing it to arise again and again and become part of everyday life.

That is why it is important to prevent from the first weeks in which it is possible to detect problems in life together. At this stage, conflicts will have arisen that can be worked out more easily, so that do not become chronic and do not end up undermining the relationship in the long term, or directly triggering the breakup.

2. Promotes honest communication

In the initial moments of a relationship crisis, there is less reason to hold resentment towards the other person, since there have not been many strong arguments yet. For this reason, it is easier to address this issue in couples therapy, since it costs less to open up and be honest about what one thinks and feels oneself, exposing one's own vulnerabilities.

3. There is more motivation to commit to couples therapy

Many people go to couples therapy when the situation in their love life it has already deteriorated so much that deep down they want separation or divorce.

In these cases, going to the psychologist's office is partly a last hope, and partly an alibi morality to be able to say "I tried", and that demotivates, does not invite commitment to the process therapeutic.

These kinds of problems are avoided if we go to couples therapy in the early stages.

4. You fall less into the fight of egos

When relationship problems already have a long history, those who are involved in them are more likely to prioritize the satisfaction of “winning the fight” than to overcome the conflict in the most constructive way possible.

Are you looking for couples therapy by professionals?

If you are interested in having professional assistance through couples therapy services, please contact us. The team of psychologists psychotools We have many years of experience working with people involved in marriages and engagements in crisis, or who begin to be dysfunctional in some aspects of the relationship.

We currently serve both in person at our center located in Barcelona (Vallcarca area) and online via video call. To see our contact information, go to this page.

Bibliographic references:

• Biscotti, O. (2006). Couples Therapy: a systemic look. Buenos Aires: Lumen.
• Christensen A., Atkins D.C., Baucom B., Yi J. (2010). "Marital status and satisfaction five years following a randomized clinical trial comparing traditional versus integrative behavioral couple therapy". Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 78 (2): p. 225 - 235.
• Harvey, J. H., Ormarzu, J. (1997). Minding the close relationship. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 1: pp. 223 - 239.
• Morgan, J.P. (1991). What is codependency? Journal of Clinical Psychology 47(5): pp. 720 - 729.
• O'Donohue, W. & Ferguson, K.E. (2006). Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology and Behavior Analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today.
• Serrano, G. & Carreno, M. (1993). Sternberg's theory of love. Empirical analysis. Psicothema, 5(Suppl.): pp. 151-167.