5 Effective Couples Counseling Techniques

Do you find you and your partner saying the same things to each other over and over again, but nothing ever changes? It’s not too late. Couples therapy exercises for communication are an effective way for partners to learn how to be more understanding and respectful towards one another. In this blog post, we will explore 5 different couples therapy techniques that can help improve communication in any relationship.

Icebreakers

The icebreaker technique is meant to get people talking and create a connection. This is also a great to get to know your spouse in new ways by asking questions. Not only will you get answers, but it can lead to discovering new secrets and memories that may have been forgotten for a while! Try it when the need or desire for connection hits. Just be present in that moment of discovery.

I feel loved by you

In this couples therapy technique, every partner has the opportunity to show appreciation for the partner’s loving nature by expressing their feelings. You should not be praising, criticizing, blaming a person or anyone else for statements they cite positively or negatively. Repeat alternating exchanges of your thoughts and feelings about each other with 10-15 minutes duration! What are some surprises that came up during these tasks? How intimate did you feel after hearing how your loved one felt?

Forehead connection exercise

Couples therapy exercises for communication such as deep breaths is a powerful thing. Whether it’s to relieve stress, calm your nerves, or make you feel more alive, breathing can have innumerable benefits for the body and mind alike. And when shared with someone else in tandem? Breathing becomes an even richer experience during couples counseling techniques: one that provides two individuals hope during moments of crisis while also strengthening their connection with each other!

To begin this couples therapy technique, you should lie on your side with your partner or sit in a seated position with your partner. Face the other and gently apply your forehead to one another. Breathe deep slowly at the same pace as your partner. Practice this to get back into the groove of things. It’s not just about breathing; it’s also about sharing some deep truths with one another when you’re at your most vulnerable and open state during these exercises.

Uninterrupted listening

This couples therapy technique exercise is a great way to show your partner that you care about what they have to say. Simply set the timer for three to five minutes and let them talk without interruption or any form of feedback from yourself. You may give nonverbal encouragement such as nodding along with their speech, but refrain from making jokes or comments. Note this will be challenging, particularly if you’re prone to wanting to interject or interrupt.  By focusing solely on giving each other space during the conversation, both parties can feel more heard compared to when one person usually always has the floor. If the timer stops, switch roles and do the exercise again.

Swap Books

Reading is a couples therapy technique to understand your partner on their own terms and learn about them in the best context possible. A book can be symbolic of many things, such as what your partner values the most. Reading your partner’s favorite book can also be a fun and meaningful way to forge a deeper connection. Swapping books you’re reading may allow you to remind each other of what you loved about yourselves in the most formative years. No matter how well you know your partner, try giving their old favorites another read-through today!

Are you seeking a therapist who can guide you further in these couples therapy techniques?

Miami Hypnosis and Therapy is the perfect place to find help. We offer individual counseling, couples therapy, and hypnotherapy for codependency. Anna Marchenko, LMHC, Ed.M., MA, is trained in the latest techniques in psychotherapy and can help you find the root of any problem or issue you might be facing and get your life back on track. Contact us today to learn more.