Behavioural Couples Therapy

Behavioural Couples Therapy (BCT) is an approach towards couples therapy that is based on the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). This means that there is a strong focus on the interplay between thoughts, behaviours and feelings. 

The couple is taught skills for recognising any vicious cycles that maintain relationship distress, and some strategies to get out of these cycles. It is a structured and goal-oriented therapy which can help couples with; conflict reduction and resolution, improving communication, problem-solving, and joint decision making, managing emotions and changing behaviour, and encouraging acceptance. 

An additional component of this is Sensate Focus. This component is particularly useful for couples where sexual intimacy and physical closeness have become minimal or non-existent.