What Is the Role of Communication in Successful Couples Therapy?

During the length of any relationship, there are going to be ups and downs, trials and tribulations. Life will try to throw a lot of challenges at you. How you respond to your partner in these instances can make or break your bond.

Communication plays an important role in maintaining a healthy dynamic.

Communication and Relationships

One of the most important foundations you can have for any relationship is good communication. It provides the outlet for expressing your needs, desires, emotions, and thoughts on a given topic.

If communication is ineffective or poor between a couple, it can result in misunderstandings and conflict. Over time, it can diminish intimacy and emotional connection. At a certain point, that disconnect can become more difficult to repair.

When communication is effective, it strengthens the relationship despite disagreements. It creates a deeper support system, allowing for more productive navigation of challenges and resolving inevitable conflict.

Communication's Role in Couples Therapy

For couples therapy, communication is going to play a pivotal role front and center. One of the main goals, if not the goal itself, is to address communication shortcomings and challenges between partners. Exploring patterns of communication can help identify areas for improvement and establish healthy solutions.

Throughout sessions, a couple will learn healthy, productive communication skills to improve their bond. This is done in a safe and supportive environment that promotes open expression and active listening. You are guided in discussion and strategies to overcome any obstacles you are encountering.

Effective Tools Used in Therapy

During therapy sessions, couples have the unique ability to practice any new strategies and skills in a controlled setting. With additional guidance, you’re more able (and likely) to transfer new skills learned and practiced into daily life.

The most often used strategies consist of active listening, non-verbal communication, and expressing emotions effectively.

Active Listening

This is essential for any and every couple to incorporate into their communication habits. Active listening is giving your full, undivided attention to your partner and hearing what they are saying. So often, people fall into a habit of filtering information through, but not actually taking the bulk of the context in.

Active listening involves being present, making eye contact, and avoiding interruption to allow your partner to fully express themselves. During therapy sessions, you will be guided in paraphrasing and reflecting exercises to practice this skill. Applying this skill in communication promotes validation and understanding.

Non-Verbal Communication

Researchers believe as much as 70–90% of communication falls into the non-verbal category. This includes tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and hand gestures. Most people are unaware of their non-verbal habits and how they are perceived by others.

Your non-verbals can encompass attitude, emotion, and intention. Understanding your habits and being able to incorporate proper ones into conversation can help reduce misinterpretations and misunderstandings.

In therapy sessions, you will be guided in making appropriate eye contact, being mindful of your facial expressions, and focusing on what your body posture is saying. They will also point out when your non-verbals are becoming more tense.

With coaching, you can gain awareness and improve your ability to gauge your partner’s emotions to respond accordingly.

Expressing Emotions Effectively

Finally, open and honest communication revolves around being able to express what you’re feeling in the most constructive manner. One way this is done is using “I” statements and refraining from placing blame.

Effective expression of emotions and openness to your partner doing so paves the way for a safe space to be vulnerable with each other. Therapy sessions can focus on teaching proper use of “I” statements and guide you away from tendencies to react when hearing your partner’s stance. It also engages active listening.

If you’re looking to strengthen your communication with your partner, use our contact form to learn more about couples therapy.