Types of Couples Therapy
Postpartum depression (PPD) can cause strain on a marriage or relationship. Depression, coupled with a new baby to take care of and other changes, can create challenges in your partnership.1,2
Luckily, couples therapy can help strengthen your bond. Couples with a stronger emotional bond may be better at managing the challenges of being new parents. And research shows that couples therapy works well for many couples.1,2
This or That
Have you ever tried couples counseling?
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy. Unlike individual therapy, in couples therapy two people talk to a therapist together. Couples therapy is growing in popularity in the United States. There are many different types of couples therapy.2,3
Gottman Method
The Gottman Method has existed for almost 50 years. In this time, many studies have tested it and found it effective. The Gottman Method aims to increase intimacy, respect, affection, and empathy. It also aims to prevent hostile communication and stuck feelings.2,4
This approach starts with questionnaires and individual sessions. Then you work with your therapist to develop steps to improve your relationship. These steps help strengthen the friendship, deepen your connection, and make positive changes.2,4
Emotionally focused couples therapy
Emotionally focused therapy is based on the thought that relationship issues and conflict are caused by insecure attachment. This means one or both partners is afraid that their emotional needs will not be met.3,5
The goal of this therapy is to help both partners understand this insecurity. From here, both people can develop ways to change their behavior and emotional responses to support a secure emotional bond. This is a well-established therapy method backed by research.3,5
Cognitive-behavioral couples therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviors. When used with couples, this approach is extended to the relationship. It may also involve identifying emotions and childhood experiences. The goal is for both people to change their behavior to prevent these negative patterns.3,5
Imago therapy
Imago therapy is based on the belief that your childhood feelings may impact your adult relationships. This means we may choose our partners based on our childhood ideals for a partner. But it also means emotions carried over from childhood can impact these relationships.6
Imago therapy involves understanding your and your partner's childhood pain. This helps you prevent reinforcing this pain in your relationship. Imago therapy has strong spiritual aspects. It is less well researched than other types of therapy. But some research has shown it can be effective for couples.6
Problem-focused therapy
This type of therapy is focused on managing a specific problem in your relationship. Other therapies may examine your relationship more generally. In problem-focused therapy, you will focus on the way you communicate around a certain problem. The goal is to prevent conflict and negative patterns in the future.3,5
Things to know about couples therapy
These are not all the possible types of couples therapy. The right type of therapy for you may be something different, or a mix of approaches. It also may take time to see results. But with time, couples dealing with postpartum depression can have positive outcomes from couples therapy.1-3