Couple Therapy Terms
General
These terms outline some of the specifics of couple therapy. They, however, are not exhaustive and need to be read in conjunction with general psychotherapy and counselling terms as those terms are also reasonably applicable to couple therapy.
Sessions and Attendance
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place weekly.
Sessions need to be attended by both members, otherwise they are considered as unattended. Unattended, cancelled, or rescheduled sessions are non-refundable (see general psychotherapy and counselling terms for more on cancellations and nonattendance).
Sessions can be held either in-person or online. In-person sessions need to be attended as such by both members (i.e., one member cannot attend online whilst the other member attends in-person).
In the case a member cannot attend the session in-person, the session can be held online, in which case both members will attend online either together or separately. One member cannot attend in-person whilst the other member attends online.
Any member can inform the therapist of a cancellation or a wish to reschedule—so, act on behalf of the couple—however, this needs to be agreed upon by both members beforehand.
Communication
The couple’s communication is open. This means that anything a member shares with the therapist is also shared with the other member—in or outside the session. This includes email communication and phone calls.
Couple therapy implies work with the couple rather than an individual members. Nonetheless, the issues that the couple wishes to tackle normally originate from the members’ individual internal worlds. Exploration of the members’ internal world is hence a prerequisite for effective couple therapy.
The content of discussions remains confidential and confidentiality principles set out in general psychotherapy and counselling terms apply. Nonetheless, there will normally be no confidentiality within the therapist-couple triad. In other words, whatever one member shares with the therapist (in or outside the session) will be available to the other member.
Conduct
There will be no physical or verbal abuse during the session. Any feelings will be verbalised.
No member will attend sessions under the influence of alcohol, non-prescribed drugs, or any other substance that may alter their mental, psychological, or emotional capacity. Sessions attended under the influence will be terminated immediately and regarded as unattended.
Assessment
Prior to the start of therapy, an assessment is conducted. This is normally done in two separate sessions that take place within two consecutive weeks. The purpose of the assessment is to analyse/diagnose the couple’s presenting issues, their goals for therapy, and discuss how therapy may or may not help in achieving those goals. Couple therapy only begins after the assessment and after the process and goals have been agreed upon.
Termination
Any member of the couple may terminate the process of couple therapy at any time in line with the general psychotherapy and counselling terms (i.e., with one-month notice).
Other Terms
These terms are periodically reviewed and updated. By engaging in couple therapy you accept these terms and commit to keep yourself acquainted with their updates.
For other applicable terms (such as details about payments, cancellations, rescheduling, termination, etc.), please see general psychotherapy and counselling terms.