when i treat couples i usually send them questions to answer before they even enter our first session. these questions help orient them to the relationship’s strengths and weaknesses. it helps them take responsibility for their part in their problems as well as identify what they would like their partner to change. and it encourages them to think about what they want from their relationship. these questions can be helpful to anyone struggling in their relationship – even if they are not in need of therapy. the questions are: what is going on in your relationship now that is a problem? how has this affected you? how have each of you contributed to the problem? your contribution? your partner’s contribution? what have you done to try to correct the problem? /li> and in what ways have any of your attempts been successful? how will you know when therapy is done? (if you are not seeking therapy think of the question this way: how will you know when your relationship is what you want it to be? ) for example: what will each of you do differently? in what ways will the relationship be different?
how can you start working on relationship issues?