Couples counselling, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a type of therapy that aims to help couples improve their relationship and resolve conflicts. It involves a trained therapist who works with the couple to identify the underlying issues and develop strategies for managing them. While many people believe that couples counselling is effective, others are more skeptical.

Couples counselling is a form of therapy that is designed to help couples who are experiencing relationship problems. The goal of couples counselling is to help couples learn to communicate better, manage conflict more effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of each other. The therapist acts as a mediator, helping the couple to identify the underlying issues that are causing the problems in their relationship.

There are many different approaches to couples counselling, but some of the most common include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and the Gottman method. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, while EFT focuses on emotional connection and attachment. The Gottman method is based on the research of Dr. John Gottman and focuses on building a strong foundation of friendship and intimacy in the relationship.

The question of whether or not couples counselling works is a complex one. Some studies have found that couples counselling can be effective in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing conflict. For example, a meta-analysis of 75 studies found that couples therapy was effective in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing relationship distress (Lamblin et al., 2021). Another study found that couples who participated in therapy were more likely to stay together than those who did not (Doss et al., 2019).

However, not all studies have found that couples counselling is effective. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that couples who received therapy were no more likely to stay together than those who did not (Snyder et al., 2006). Another study found that couples who received therapy were less likely to be satisfied with their relationship than those who did not (Baucom et al., 2011).

So, why do some studies show that couples counselling is effective while others do not? One possible explanation is that couples counselling is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different couples may benefit from different approaches, and some couples may not be ready or willing to engage in therapy. Additionally, the quality of the therapist and the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the couple may also play a role in the effectiveness of therapy.

While the effectiveness of couples counselling is not clear-cut, there are some benefits to participating in therapy. One of the main benefits is improved communication. Many couples struggle with communication, and therapy can help them learn to communicate more effectively and understand each other better. Additionally, couples counselling can help couples to identify and address underlying issues that may be causing problems in their relationship.

Couples counselling can also be beneficial for couples who are considering separation or divorce. Therapy can help couples to navigate the challenges of ending a relationship and develop a plan for moving forward. Even if the couple ultimately decides to end the relationship, therapy can help them to do so in a healthy and respectful way.

So, does couples counselling work? The answer is not clear-cut. Ultimately, the effectiveness of couples counselling depends on a variety of factors, including the approach used, the quality of the therapist, and the willingness of the couple to engage in therapy.