Couples therapy is one of the most interesting fields of work in which a psychologist can specialize.
Not only does it allow us to intervene in an extremely important area of life for many people, but it also helps to adopt a vision of the therapeutic process that goes beyond the individual. That is, part of a conception of psychological well-being in which each person is linked cognitively and emotionally to their context, and especially to loved ones.
- Related article: ” Integral Couple Therapy: what is it and how does it work?“
How to train to be a couple therapist?
When it comes to specializing to dedicate yourself in a professional way (mainly, or in combination with other forms of psychological intervention) to couples therapy, keep in mind these criteria that the Masters and postgraduate courses must meet between which you are going to choose . These will allow you to get an idea about the quality of these training programs.
1. Offers the possibility of doing internships
Couple therapy is a clearly applied activity: the theory is of no use if we do not know how to apply it and contrast it with reality . In addition, love relationships are fundamentally changing and dynamic phenomena, so we cannot pretend to approach them in a linear manner, first checking what the books say and then executing the instructions that are described. It is necessary to gain proficiency in real-time learning contexts, in a therapeutic context with patients.
Therefore, to be a couple therapist it is essential to go through training programs that give the option of practicing with flesh and blood partners, not only through imagination and hypothetical situations.
2. It is taught by professionals of this discipline
In part from what we have seen before, the possibility of receiving the supervision and knowledge of psychologists with extensive experience in couples therapy is very beneficial for those who want to learn. In this way, even the theoretical component of this training will have a practice-oriented element.
The couples therapy professionals go beyond the manuals, and offer advice about the small details of everyday life, both what happens in the psychological assistance sessions and what happens between them: planning, bureaucracy, management of the schedules, etc.
3. Goes beyond the pathological
Although the concept of therapy is usually used in the clinical context, it should not be forgotten that, in practice, the problems addressed in couples therapy do not cause disorders.
Therefore, a postgraduate or Master’s degree in couples therapy should be based on social psychology, and not so much on clinical and health psychology , unless it is designed to be extremely specialized in a specific field of love relationships (or in a part of the population already diagnosed with mental disorders).
4. It takes sexuality into account
Human sexuality is deeply involved in the vast majority of relationships , either as a source of emotional problems or as a factor in maintaining these problems, if they have originated outside the bedroom. Therefore, becoming a couple therapist involves expanding your knowledge and experience in this aspect of intimate life.
- You may be interested: ” Sex therapy: what it is and what its benefits are“
5. Provides training in the therapeutic relationship
The ability to carry out a good therapeutic relationship is crucial. Therefore, these courses and Masters should include practical advice of this type, which allows the therapeutic process to flow and that couples who seek professional help commit to the evolution of these sessions.
Where to specialize?
If you are interested in training to become a couple therapist in the area of Murcia, a very good option is the Master in Sexology and Couple Therapy made by the Couple Institute , available in semi-face, face and online formats.
This option to professionalize, designed and promoted by the reference entity in Murcia in relation to couples therapy, allows to learn during a 10-month course about everything related to love relationships, sexuality and sexual therapy, dependency cases, situations of gender violence, paraphilias, and much more.
