What Are The Different Types of Marriage Counseling?

Most people think of marriage or couples counseling and get a particular image in their head. Oftentimes, it’s what we see in the movies: a therapist simply watching a couple argue non-stop on a couch for an hour. While this is certainly the case for some couples counselors, this isn’t the most successful model. Solution-Focused Therapy is an excellent evidence-based practice for any types of issues within individual counseling, but a solution-driven approach to couples work is not typically the most productive path forward. Good marriage counselors typically use one of two different structured modalities to help guide their couples towards connection: The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

The Gottman Method, developed by Drs. Julie and John Gottman, focuses on building connection, trust, intimacy, and clearer communication between couples. Using the 7 principles of the Sound Relationship House, therapists guide couples through each level of the house, working on skills such as turning towards one another instead of away, managing conflict, and using mindfulness and introspective skills to coregulate. The Gottman Method is typically very structured (unlike couples therapy you see in movies) where the therapist teaches practical skills to help each partner express their needs.

Emotionally Focused Therapy places emphasis on the experiences, importance, and impacts of emotion. Based on attachment theory, EFT helps couples understand the root of their safety and security issues in relationships. If you’ve ever heard the phrases “anxiously attached” or “avoidantly attached” you’ve had a brief introduction to EFT. Evaluating emotional needs and desires is an organizing principle in the lives of couples. The goal is to grow a more secure relationship, leading to more intimate connection. An EFT therapist would use skills such as active listening, questioning, and de-escalation to observe and confront patterns the couple seems trapped in. The therapist then helps couples reframe unhealthy behaviors and facilitates shared vulnerability.

Two other lesser-known marriage counseling modalities include Imago Relationship Therapy and PACT. Imago therapy helps couples view their misunderstandings and conflict through the understanding of the love developed throughout their individual childhood experiences. Imago, meaning “image,” helps clients dig into their subconscious to work on solving problems. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting Imago Therapy in couples work. Psychobiological approach to couples therapy (PACT) is a newer theory that pulls from attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation. Similar to Imago, there is limited empirical research to support its use given its recent development.

Counselors at Constantly Healthy are considered some of the best therapists in Orlando for couples counseling because we use the Gottman Method as the foundation to our couples model while still incorporating pieces from EFT, Imago, and PACT. From the moment couples walk through our doors, they are led into a marriage counseling structure that provides support and direction. With the assistance of a Gottman Method counselor, partners will better understand themselves, their partners, and how to communicate through any relationship issue.

(This article was contributed by Palo Alto University Master’s Graduate in Mental Health Counseling, Emily Win)