Humans are evolutionary social beings and successful relationships with others are an essential part of functioning. Our most important relationships can involve those with our parents, siblings, partners, friends, colleagues, and bosses. Interpersonal conflict in our relationships is typically due to differences in perspectives, goals, or values with others.
When is it time to get help?
It is normal that we experience misunderstandings with others, however sometimes people can struggle in their relationships when conflict is consistent and unresolved, leading to stressful and unhealthy relationships and consequently more conflict. For example, a partner may have difficulty with how their spouse is behaving, dealing with a breakup, disagreeing with a family member, or having a conflict with a friend. If you are experiencing growing and unresolved interpersonal conflict that is contributing to stress, then it might be appropriate to seek psychological services in the form of individual or couple’s therapy or a combination of both.
Individual or couples therapy?
There are distinct goals in individual and couple’s therapy to addresses different issues and dynamics. Individual therapy may focus on the individual’s personal challenges with all kinds of relationships (e.g., family, friends, romantic, work colleague) in a one-on-one setting with a therapist. In contrast, couple’s therapy addresses the dynamics and communication between two partners being present with a therapist. Deciding to pursue individual versus couples therapy depends on your specific needs and goals.
How can CBT help with interpersonal problems?
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based practice that is widely used to help individuals with relationship problems. Individuals will learn to identify their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours that might contribute to the interpersonal conflict. Treatment may include but is not limited to:
- Understanding any unhelpful thinking patterns and fostering more realistic and flexible thoughts related to the interpersonal difficulties
- Developing awareness to the expectations in the relationship and whether these expectations are realistic and helpful
- Recognizing and acting in accordance with one’s values
- Engaging in problem-solving and resolution of mutual problems
- Building more effective interpersonal communication skills
- Using Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) in couple’s work
How can the team at Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy help?
At the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy, we have trained psychologists with experience in helping individuals with relationship difficulties at an individual level or through couple’s therapy. If you are struggling with an interpersonal problem and are interested in receiving evidence-based treatment, please contact us at: 905-338-1397 or admin@oakvillecbt.ca or via our Contact Us page.