How Does Couples Therapy Differ From Family Therapy For Relationships?

Be it within a couple or among family members, everyone faces relationship challenges. While some people are mature enough to sort things out within a few hours and days, others just worsen it. This not only affects relationships but also destroys one's mental health.

Some people are also unaware of mental health which makes it worse from time to time. But this is where therapy comes in. However, many people are still confused between couples therapy and family therapy. To help you choose the right one and maintain a good relationship, here is what you need to know about the differences between these therapies.

Differences Between Couples Therapy and Family Therapy

Before choosing any therapy for your relationship, knowing which one suits you best is important. Are you confused between couples and family therapy? Knowing these differences will help you make the right choice:

1.     Definition

Couples therapy is the type of therapy that focuses on your relationship and you as a couple. This therapy helps you re-establish your connection and strengthen your bond with partners who are having issues. Regardless of how long you've been married or how recently you started dating, couple therapy is beneficial at any point in your relationship.  

On the other hand, family therapy is the type that focuses on relationships and the whole family or certain aspects of it. It helps you overcome problems, resolve disputes and strengthen bonds for family and family members having issues. It helps in creating and maintaining closer bonds with other family members.

2.     Different Types Involved

In couples therapy, there are different types of therapy involved in solving various problems. Some of the most common types are:

 

  Emotionally Focused Therapy or EFT is the type of therapy that aims to strengthen your relationship with your partner. In the process, the therapist will assist you in identifying and altering the patterns in your relationship that make you feel disconnected.

     Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is the type of therapy that identifies cognitive patterns in your relationships. Once the negative impact is found on both your and your partner's behaviour, the therapist will then change with appropriate treatment plans.

   Behavioral Couples Therapy or BCT is the type of therapy that helps to improve your relationship by discouraging bad behaviors. It aims at encouraging beneficial behaviours that lead to stability and happiness.

To improve different issues, the various types of family therapy include:

       Supportive Family Therapy is the type of therapy that involves creating a safe environment for each family member to express their emotions. The therapist then makes sure the family member receives support from the other family member. 

       Narrative Family Therapy is the type of therapy that invites each family member to share their stories. This is done to make each family member understand about each other's experience and how it has shaped them. Instead of looking at their difficulties through a narrow lens, this process lets individuals share their problems more objectively.

     Family Systems Therapy is the type of therapy that aims to assist family members in overcoming mental health issues. It aims at maximizing the positive aspects of the relationships among each family member.

3.     Issues Addressed

Irrespective of religion, age, race and marital status, any couple having problems can benefit from couples therapy. Many different issues can be solved through this therapy. Some of the issues that are addressed are:

       Finances

       Communication

       Sexual differences

       Compatibility

       Recurring arguments

       Feeling of disconnection

       External issues

       Infidelity

On the other hand, family therapy focuses on issues that impact a family's functioning and mental health. It focuses on resolving disputes within your family, thereby enhancing communication. Some of the issues that are addressed are:

       Improving the home environment

       Understanding the particular concerns a family may have in the future

       Resolving particular family issues

       Reducing conflicts

Does Therapy Mean the End of a Relationship?

Be it couple or family therapy, therapy doesn't mean the end of your relationship. If you are worried that your relationship has come to an end then worry not, because you are not alone in this battle. It is rather an indication that people in the relationship may not be as happy and connected as they once were. 

People who are motivated to work with a therapist can be highly beneficial and this means the individual is eager to make the relationship better. So, regardless of the stage of your relationship, whether it's new or has been going on for years, it's crucial to get help whenever you feel like you need it.

Does Therapy Make a Difference?

Be it lost, happy, stressed, depressed, anxious or hurt, feelings and emotions are a part of every human experience. Whether family therapy or couple therapy in Monmouth County, NJ, seeking therapy makes a huge difference for your relationship. It is a secure and safe environment for discussing ideas, emotions and live events. A therapist plays a crucial role as they pay close attention to everything you have to say.

Keeping in mind your relationships, they make sure you feel heard and valued. They are trained to hold onto many perspectives and discover strategies to maintain balance. To ensure you heal and happily live, a therapist creates a uniquely tailored plan for every individual. Whether you are experiencing dissatisfaction or emotional difficulties, discussing feelings with your therapist will help you strengthen those relationships.

Which Therapy is best for you?

Already started looking for a therapist near me ? Wondering which one is the right choice for you? Well, this depends on your situation and what meets your family's requirements as well as your own. Different therapy services are beneficial to different individuals depending on the nature of your problems. Do your issues just involve you and your partner? If yes, then couple therapy might work best for you.

But if your problems are extending and affecting other family members as well, then family therapy might work best for you. If the issue is just between two, it is recommended to resolve it with your partner first. Alternatively, if the issues are affecting other family members and not improving with time, then involve other members of your family in the therapy.

Remember when it comes to resolving issues, the best solution can be facilitated by being open and honest with your therapist about your issues, whether you're a couple or family. Because the right therapy creates lasting and positive changes, make sure you get professional assistance as it can be quite helpful in resolving relationship issues, be it family or couple therapy.

Receive the Right Approach and Commitment

At InnerClarityLLC we are your best partners for therapy, be it you are facing family or couple issues. We choose evidence-based and the right therapeutic process to create a long-lasting and happier impact. Our experts are licensed, highly skilled and have years of experience. Our therapists focus on individual issues and can walk the extra mile to meet your expectations. When working with us, we make sure you are comfortable and so we create a safe environment for all. To help you get the most out of your sessions, we open up using a friendly approach and aim to build trust.


  1. Hmm, no posts. So lonely...