Treatment of Couples Notes











Greatest intervention coming with their resources, strength, and knowledge then we are
the second best
A strategy to use is making a cross and in each section write “we are” “we are not” “we
do” and “we do not” as a way to get couples to communicate and talk
A good opportunity is to ask when tensions are high what do you need and having
pictures of the body for them to point to
During break out sessions a good technique in assessment is to ask them the same
questions and see if their answers change when they’re alone vs together
It’s a good idea to share with them the no secrets policy before they speak so that they’re
aware of the rules and can choose what to say/not
Assessment consists of 1 session together, 2 breakout sessions, and then the 1 feedback
session together
When it comes to feedback session its helpful to do the name it or change it where the
therapist shares what they see and the clients say yes or change the meaning of what the
therapist is saying
Prayer reflection 1 questions (20 min)
o Consider the therapeutic approach with couples, how is your therapeutic style
influencing couples that you work with
o How do you perceive the therapeutic presence in the room with couples? How do
you think your presence affects couple dynamics and their willingness to engage
in the therapeutic process
o Consider the biases you come In with, any bias, assumptions, and preconceptions
that we are bringing or may bring to our work with couples
o How has/will working with couples influence my personal growth and
understanding of relationships
Domains of sex therapy
o Individual- biological, medical issues, Mental health histories, covert and overt
messages about sexuality
o Couples systems- how the individual patterns influence the couple relationship,
how the couples manage issues with conflict or sexual patterns, intimacy, feas
within the couple
o Intergenerational system- the relationship about sexuality, sexual traumas, sexual
relationships,
o External influence- culture, race, ethnicity, SES, physical environment and how
these things influence partners expressions
When addressing PTSD with a couple (CBCT for PTSD) shows our relationships can
help them through this, you two will meet and teach skills to resolve conflicts and
communicate as a team and reframing thinking of the problem
o The therapist asks about the trauma from a distance, they won’t go into detail
o Can help active duty members, civilians, and veterans
o Can also be good for family members who have a loved one who has PTSD
Mid 20/30, heterosexual, together for 4 years(not married), case of cheating, male is
active marine, female is an entrepreneur, have normal communication and conflict,
separated but still committed relationship, girl spends night at the house and in the middle
of the night the girl who cheated with him(girl he met at the gym) is pounding on the
door saying she thought he was gonna break up with the business women, they come into
therapy so she can understand why and is having trouble holding hands and getting angry,
the guy is trying to make it work
o Small steps towards emotional engagement where couple can sooth, confort, and
reassure each other
o