Want to do successful Couples Therapy? Here’s what we know:

While looking at various therapists and models (factors of change), Lebow discovered that it’s not age, gender, race or even experience that determines success during couples therapy. What does make a difference is the level of friendliness, sensitivity, flexibility, cultural and worldview sensitivity…all of this with a good balance of knowing when to be active and when to be non-directive.

The better your alliance with your clients, the longer they will want to work with you, and thus the better chance for success! However in this case alliance is not just feeling close to your couple. Alliance requires having a common goal and understanding those issues the couple bring to you. It’s also equally important to keep your alliance balanced between the two partners, rather than monitoring the strength of your individual alliance with each.

Your passion for the approach you use will directly affect the couple you’re working with. If you believe in the therapy you are doing, the client will feel it too and will work well with the philosophy.

So choose an approach that you believe in. Practice it with all your heart. Make sure your clients know how much you enjoy working with them, and make sure you hear and understand what’s important to them.

The common factors mentioned above, have been found to lead to success in couples treatment, across various models.

[Common Factors of Change in Couple Therapy. 2012 LEBOW]