Building a Strong Foundation for your Relationship Through Couples Therapy Ft. Dr Sowmya Reddy|S1E1

Summary

In this insightful episode, Dr. Samya Reddy, a counseling psychologist, delves into the world of couples therapy, discussing its benefits for both established and budding relationships. She outlines the common issues couples face, such as conflicts, trust, and financial stress, and emphasizes the importance of addressing childhood attachment issues that may resurface in adult relationships. The conversation explores how therapy can help couples recognize and resolve deep-seated traumas, improve communication, and establish healthy boundaries. Dr. Reddy also offers practical advice on setting expectations for therapy and the role of partners in supporting each other through the healing process.

Takeaways

• 👫 Couples therapy is a form of counseling aimed at resolving conflicts and issues within a relationship, involving two people and focusing on issues like medical, financial, or trust problems.
• 🌱 It is beneficial for both established couples and those just starting out, helping to clarify doubts, identify patterns, and prevent potential issues from escalating in the early stages of a relationship.
• 🤔 Common issues addressed in couples therapy include fights, interference from extended family members, financial stress, trust issues, fidelity concerns, and sexual problems.
• 🔍 Signs of attachment issues stemming from childhood affecting a marriage can include insecurities, anxieties, trust issues, and a fear of abandonment, which can be recognized when these feelings persist without a clear cause.
• 😢 Trauma from childhood or past experiences can indeed resurface in adulthood, affecting an individual's ability to trust and form secure attachments in romantic relationships.
• 👩‍⚕️ Couples therapy can assist in addressing and resolving trauma-related issues by identifying patterns of insecure attachment and providing strategies for partners to reassure and support each other.
• 📝 The therapy process involves initial sessions to understand the issues, followed by activities, tests, and homework to help couples navigate their problems and build stronger relationships.
• 👥 Specific therapy techniques such as CPTs (Corrective Pattern Therapies) and the 'safe house' technique are used to help couples establish healthy communication and boundaries.
• 💬 The 'Love Languages' technique is highlighted as particularly effective in resolving conflicts by understanding and catering to each partner's unique love language.
• 🚧 Setting healthy boundaries is crucial in couples therapy to prevent overstepping and to ensure that each partner respects the other's emotional needs and personal space.
• 🤝 Couples can support each other through the healing process by understanding and addressing their own issues, providing reassurance, and creating a supportive environment for growth and healing.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of couples therapy?

Couples therapy is a form of counseling primarily aimed at conflict resolution and addressing various issues such as medical, relationship, and financial concerns that the couple is unable to resolve on their own or with the involvement of their family.

Can couples therapy be beneficial for couples who are not yet married?

Yes, couples therapy can be beneficial for those who are just starting their relationship. It helps in clarifying doubts, identifying patterns, and resolving issues early on to strengthen the relationship.

What are some common issues that couples bring to therapy?

Common issues include frequent fights, conflicts with extended family members, financial problems, trust issues, fidelity concerns, and sexual issues.

How can childhood attachment issues affect a marriage?

Childhood attachment issues can lead to insecurities, anxieties, trust issues, and a constant fear of abandonment in a marriage, which can create distress and affect the relationship negatively.

Can unresolved trauma from childhood be triggered in adulthood?

Yes, unresolved trauma from childhood can be triggered in adulthood, especially during times of stress or when faced with similar situations that evoke past distress.

How can couples therapy help address trauma-related issues in a relationship?

Couples therapy can help by identifying trauma-related issues, providing reassurance, and offering strategies to manage insecurities and fears. It can also involve exploring childhood experiences to understand their impact on current behaviors.

What can couples expect from a couples therapy session?

Couples can expect to discuss their issues, participate in activities and exercises, and receive homework to practice skills between sessions. The duration and number of sessions can vary based on the couple's needs.

Are there specific therapy techniques used in couples therapy to address attachment issues?

Techniques such as CPTs (Corrective Pattern Therapies) for unresolved attachment issues and the 'safe house' technique for creating a sense of safety in the relationship are used.

How can couples set healthy boundaries around unresolved trauma?

Couples can set healthy boundaries by understanding and respecting each other's comfort levels, avoiding overstepping each other's limits, and communicating clearly about what is acceptable and what is not.

What role can the non-traumatized partner play in the healing process?

The non-traumatized partner can provide reassurance, support, and understanding, helping to create a safe environment for the traumatized partner to heal. However, it's also important for the traumatized partner to engage in self-healing.

Can unresolved trauma in parents impact their children?

Yes, unresolved trauma in parents can impact their children, especially in how they bond and interact with them. Children may perceive a lack of love or abandonment if the parents are unable to provide consistent care due to their own trauma.