Treatment for Relationship Problems

Psychotherapy

Marital Therapy

Several different types of psychotherapy are effective for treating marital problems, according to the American Psychological Associations, Division 12, Society of clinical Psychology,⁶ behavioral marital therapy is a well-established treatment for a marital disorder.^7,8 This treatment involves teaching communication and problem-solving skills, and helping couples express more positive behaviors.

These treatments are also considered effective for marital problems:

• Emotionally focused couples therapy for moderately distressed couples helps partners understand their own and each other's negative emotional and behavioral responses and encourages couples to demonstrate more constructive behavior toward each other.^{9, 10} 
• Insight-oriented marital therapy facilitates insight into the personality and behavior of your partner, as well as the dynamics of the relationship. The goal is to develop new interactions that more directly and positively meet each partner's expressed needs. ^11,12

Family Therapy

Family therapy may be helpful when problems are impacting the entire family, such as divorce. Many families experience ups and downs, and most families are able to cope without getting professional help. However, if problems are impacting the ability to function, it may be time to get help. More

Domestic Violence Treatment

Research seem to agree that cognitive behavioral therapy for male batterers can be somewhat effective for reducing domestic violence.¹³ Sometimes batterers are court mandated to attend treatment, which can occur in individual or group formats.

Management of Work-Related Conflicts

Depending upon the nature of a work-related conflict, commanders, supervisors, and/or human resources staff may be able to intervene and help resolve work-related issues. If a psychiatric disorder, such as depression or substance abuse develops, as a result of relationship problems, treatment is available.

Marital Therapy Process

What to Expect from Psychotherapy

Guidelines for Choosing a Behavior Therapist

⁶Chambless, D. L., Baker, M. J. Baucom, D. H., Beutler, L. E., Calhoun, K.S. Crits-Christoph, P., Daiuto, A. et al. (1998). Update on the Empirically Validated Therapies II.  The Clinical Psychologist, 51, 1, 3-16.

⁷Azrin, N. H., Bersalel,a., Bechtel, R., Michalicek, A., Mancera, M., Carroll, D., Shuford, D., &cox, J. (1980). Comparison of reciprocity and discussion-type counseling for marital problems. American Journal of Family Therapy, 8, 21-28.

⁸Jacobson, N. S., & Follette, W. C. (1985). Clinical significance of improvement resulting from two behavioral marital therapy components. Behavior Therapy, 16, 249-262.

⁹James, P.S. (1991). Effects of a communication training component added to an emotionally focused couples therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 17, 263-275.

¹⁰Johnson, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (1985). Differential effects of experiential and problem-solving interventions in resolving marital conflict. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53, 175-184.

¹¹Snyder, D.K., & Wills, R.M. (1989). Behavioral versus insight-oriented marital therapy: Effects on individual and inter spousal functioning. Journal of Consulting and clinical Psychology, 57, 39-46.

¹²Snyder, D.K., Wills, R.M., & Grady-Fletcher, A. (1991). Long-term effectiveness of behavioral versus insight-oriented marital therapy: A 4-year follow-up study. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59, 138-141.

¹³Babcock, J. C., Green, C. E., & Robie, C. (2004). Does batterers' treatment work? A meta-analytic review of domestic violence treatment. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 8, 1023-1053

Drug Therapy

Medications may be used to treat psychiatric disorders that negatively impact relationships, but are not prescribed to treat troubled relationships. Since drug treatments vary depending upon the disorder. Since not all medications work the same for all people, it is recommended that you talk to your provider about a treatment plan that is best for you.

TRICARE Pharmacy Information

TRICARE policy for reimbursement requires that services must be medically necessary for a diagnosed psychological disorder. The disorder must be one referenced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and must be of a severity not only to cause the patient distress but also to interfere with the patient's usual activities.