The Couples Therapist Couch 238: The 3 Situations When Couples Therapy Won’t Work with Shane Birkel
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Apr 14, 2025 Explore when couples therapy may not be the answer, focusing on addiction, severe mental health issues, and harmful behaviors. Learn why some situations may require individual therapy instead, emphasizing the delicate balance of safety and trust. Delve into the nuances of communication challenges, including infidelity and emotional abuse, and understand the vital role of boundaries. Discover insights on how these obstacles can impede healing and why therapists might feel like a last resort in certain scenarios.
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Avoid Couples Therapy During Untreated Addiction
- Do not do couples therapy if there is an active serious addiction unless the addict is simultaneously receiving treatment.
- Work with the couple only when there is acknowledgment and commitment to the addiction's impact and treatment.
Use Therapy to Set Boundaries and Leverage
- Couples therapy can be a platform to help partners set boundaries and consequences related to addiction.
- Therapists should use their leverage to motivate healthier choices within the relationship context.
Address Mental Health Before Couples Therapy
- Assess for serious mental health issues as they may impair relationship function and therapy progress.
- Encourage and support individual treatment alongside couples therapy for better relational outcomes.