What Will Treatment Be Like?
During the first few sessions of Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT), a trained therapist will work with you to help you understand and address specific factors that contribute to problems in your relationship. In Session 4, your therapist will provide a summary of this information for you to discuss. At this point, you, your partner, and your therapist will have an opportunity to talk about whether IBCT seems like a good fit for you and whether to continue to the Active Phase of treatment. If you continue with treatment, you and your therapist will develop treatment goals that are specific to you. Then, you’ll work together to achieve these goals.
During the Active Phase of treatment, you and your partner will work on developing greater acceptance of each other, rather than trying to change one another. You will also learn ways to increase positive interactions and experiences. You may also learn effective communication and problem-solving skills for improving how you and your partner relate to each other and deal with daily challenges. Throughout treatment, your therapist will ask you for feedback to make sure things are headed in the right direction. You and your partner will also be provided with helpful information to review at home. Treatment generally lasts between 4 and 6 months, though you and your therapist will decide what’s right for you.