What is one of the main goals of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy?

One of the main goals of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy is to address both partners' thoughts and behaviors. This therapeutic approach recognizes that individuals in a relationship influence each other's thoughts and behaviors, which can either help to strengthen the relationship or contribute to its distress. By focusing on the cognitive aspects, therapists help each partner understand how their perceptions, beliefs, and interpretations of relational events affect their behavior and interactions. This dual focus allows for the identification of unhelpful thought patterns and behavioral responses, enabling couples to develop healthier ways of relating to each other.

Addressing both partners’ perspectives is essential because it fosters mutual understanding and collaboration, encouraging each partner to take responsibility for their role in the dynamic of the relationship. This, in turn, promotes constructive communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, which are critical for long-term relational success. Thus, the aim is not only to improve individual behaviors but also to transform the overall relational patterns that may be contributing to distress in the relationship.