In my practice I meet couples who are on the doorstep of divorce. In my near two-decade career I found communication blockage to be the single leading factor of the dismantling of unions.
A few exercises I employ in my therapeutic approach are the undressing of words exercise and the meeting of the beginning. The undressing of words exercise is a delicate approach done at pivotal intersections of the therapeutic process.
There is a readiness that must be present and when it is, I encourage couples to be as naked and transparent with their wants and desires of the relationship as they can be. It is done with the couple sitting face to face and maintaining eye contact throughout the duration of the exercise.
As the therapist, I repeat the beginning of sentences that each party will finish. This can easily be done independently by couples who have the maturity and aptitude to address their deficiencies on the way back to wellness and healing. The sentences I use are tailored for each dynamic relationship and meant to expose and refill the communication gaps in the relationship.
It is also done to promote emotional connectivity while also stabilizing and course correcting misunderstanding. The meeting of the beginning is another approach that brings the couple back to the beginning of their courtship and foundation.
Often the recollection of the good times and how they navigated turbulence in the beginning can help recalibrate the relationship. I ask each person to bring three items from the beginning of their relationship to the table. They cannot reveal their items until the session. When unveiled the couple collectively discusses the meaning and events behind the item. Be careful, this one really draws emotions, sentiment, and romance.
Love really is a beautiful thing to reminisce about. These approaches work best with their couples who desire to salvage and reignite their connection.

Comments