CHOOSING FROM DIFFERENT TYPES OF RELATIONSHIP THERAPY
Relationships all have their ups and downs. And while the “up” seasons are more fun, the “down” seasons can be when you learn and grow the most – strengthening your relationship and deepening your bonds.
When your relationship hits a rough patch, it’s easy to feel lost about what to do next, but relationship therapy is almost always a good idea.
Think of relationship therapy like picking a class that suits your fitness goal. Whether you’re focused on building strength or boosting stamina, there’s a class for every need.
Today, let’s navigate the various types of relationship therapy together. I’ll share more about how intimacy coaching stands out and help you figure out the best option for strengthening your relationship and working through a challenging season together.
The Most Common of the Types of Relationship Therapy
What comes to mind when someone mentions therapy for a relationship?
It’s probably couples therapy.
If you’ve seen the old Kate Hudson romcom How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days you may remember some wild scenes with their “couples counselor” – who was really Kate Hudson’s friend pretending to be a therapist to help her win a bet.
So what is traditional couples therapy? Imagine sitting down with a referee during your most challenging relationship debates (or fights). This kind of therapy is all about tackling the big issues in your relationship head-on alongside a professional who will help guide you through the trickiest bits.
Traditional couples therapy is perfect for couples who feel stuck – repeating the same issues or falling into the same problems over and over. If you’re experiencing certain conflicts or struggling with deep issues – like trust or betrayal – this type of therapy may be just what your relationship needs.
Have You Considered Family Therapy?
Family therapy involves bringing all or specific members of a family together to dive into meaningful conversations and explorations. It’s like organizing a family reuning where the goal is to move past small talk and achieve true harmony and connection. Family therapy helps iron out the wrinkles (and ruts) in your family dynamics.
If your relationship issues have moved beyond you and your partner and are affecting other family members, family therapy is probably the solution you need.
Sex Therapy May be the Best Option
Sex therapy can obviously help with sex issues, but it can also treat many different intimacy and relationship issues that are rooted in unmet needs and sexual challenges.
Sex therapy is all about turning the bedroom into a judgment-free zone where intimate issues are openly discussed and solved.
This is the therapy of choice for couples who feel like their love life has hit a snag or partners struggling with physical intimacy challenges.
Have You Tried Group Couples Therapy?
Some couples do better learning and growing in a group of like-minded couples working on similar goals.
Group couples therapy is a support group of sorts, designed to be a safe, comfortable place to share and learn from other couples going through shared challenges or dealing with the same kind of issues.
If traditional couples therapy feels too direct or uncomfortable, group couples therapy may be the right choice. It can help you feel less alone while learning from others’ experiences and struggles.
Intimacy Coaching
Coaching is less like therapy and more like personal training for your relationship. It’s focused on building connection and closeness instead of mediating arguments or working through fights.
Intimacy coaching is often best for couples who don’t have precise problems or exact issues to work through, but want to strengthen their relationship and improve their intimacy.
Intimacy coaching can help you deepen your bonds and feel as close as possible.
How is Intimacy Coaching Different Than These Types of Relationship Therapy?
While traditional therapy often digs into past conflicts and issues, intimacy coaching is about building skills and strategies for a healthier, more connected relationship moving forward.
It’s not about solving problems, but building your skills and strategies so when future problems arise, you know how to solve them together.
Intimacy coaching is designed to help partners feel closer and more bonded.
Choosing Between Types of Relationship Therapy
No one can tell you which type of therapy is best for you. This is a conversation for you and your partner.
Start with reflecting on your relationship – what’s missing? What’s working? What do you want more of? What do you want less of? Understanding your unique needs will help you choose the right therapy.
Your comfort level also matters. No matter how effective a type of therapy is, if you’re not comfortable enough to fully participate and show up – it’s not a good fit. Talk with your partner about how you feel about different types of therapy and choose one that you both feel good about.
It may help to define your end goals before you choose a type of therapy. Depending on what you want to achieve will help you narrow down the kind of therapy you need. Do you want to resolve specific issues? Or strengthen an already good relationship? Those goals will direct you to the right type of therapy.
There’s a Therapy Solution for Everyone
Just like no two relationships are the same, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to therapy. Each type of therapy offers unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your specific situation and goals.
Whether you opt for deeper analysis through therapy or proactive growth through coaching, taking this step is a sign of strength and commitment to your relationship’s health.
If you feel like intimacy coaching is the best fit for you, feel free to check out my website and see if you think we would be a good fit.