Preconditions to Couples Therapy

                                                                                                      Photo by Kristina Litvjak

Before we can think about getting closer with our partner, we need to consider if there is untreated mental health concerns, self-medication or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) present (Real, 2018).

Three Preconditions That Negate Couples Therapy

1. Untreated Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, OCD, PTSD, Personality Disorders etc...

2. Issues of Self-Medication: Alcoholism and other addictions (food, gambling, shopping, pornography etc...)

3. Intimate Partner Violence: Sexual or aggressive acting out, verbal or physical abuse and passive violation.

Couples therapy is contraindicated by these concerns. We can imagine how difficult it would be to have respectful, meaningful conversations that impact change if we are not safe and able to focus in our relationships.

Additionally, it would be difficult to show up and be engaged if we are depressed, or are living with other untreated disorders.

These 3 preconditions must be addressed within a couple before couples therapy can begin.

Reach out to a mental health professional today, if you and/or someone you know is struggling with any of these concerns.

Yours always in authenticity,

Jody

References

Real, T. (2018). Fierce Intimacy: Standing Up to One Another with Love. Sounds True; Unabridged edition