Relational Couples Therapy

A Practical Introduction

Bibliographic Data

ID20177515
AuthorsRachel Cook (0000-0003-4734-7725, Private Practice, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume55
Issue3
Pages288-304
Publication date2025-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTransactional Analysis Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0362-1537 • E-ISSN: 2329-5244
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03621537.2025.2510883
OpenAlexW4411848304
LanguageEN
References cited36

The author offers a practical introduction to relational couples therapy for psychotherapists, counselors, and trainees who are taking the leap from individual work to work with couples. Using case examples, transactional analysis (TA) theories, and extensive experience with training relationship therapists, the author shows how relationships can become stuck through three types of impasses and offers techniques to help couples move forward. Some of the potential myths, goals, risks, and benefits of couples work are confronted, and she advocates for the therapist’s authenticity in ethical self-disclosure. A fluid relational approach to couples work is demonstrated, encompassing cocreative, psychodynamic, and existential relational ways of working. A relational perspective to treatment planning and diagnosis in couples work is offered, considering the couple’s context and using the “9 Cs” of relationship therapy—contracting, commitment, communication, conflict resolution, care, control, connection, courage, and creativity. These offer a map with which to navigate the work

Psychoanalysis · Psychotherapist · Transactional analysis · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy

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