Couples therapy can be a scary proposition for people who are struggling in their relationships. Some might wonder if going to a therapist means facing what they are responsible for in their relationship. Others might fear hearing what their partner really has to say.
I believe in the importance of couples therapy. Every way we humans heal is, in one way or another, connected to our relationships with others. That might be why it’s also the way we can get hurt the most. Couples therapy focuses on when we are most vulnerable, and it is a chance to help people heal a relationship that affects so many others, starting with the children of a couple.
The HOPE-focused approach aims to provide structured guidance to clinicians who are trying to help hurting couples. But more importantly, this approach helps guide couples to remind them why they chose each other. There truly is hope and faith, for love is not lost!
As a clinician in training, I am drawn towards the positive psychology that is foundational to HOPE. I believe there has to be a light that helps guide couples through their emotional pain. Often times couples can get used to seeing themselves and their partner as the problem. It isn’t hard to imagine the pain and shame that comes from believing that, sometimes even for years. The HOPE approach helps couples notice the strengths that they each have, and the strengths they have together as one.
— Dylan Prato, 2nd Year Psy.D. Student
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