Unilateral Couple Counseling: A Review
Unilateral couple counseling (UCC) is a relatively new form of counseling used to help couples in distress. It is based on the idea that couples can benefit from a one-on-one approach to dealing with their problems, rather than relying on traditional couples counseling. This article will review the literature on UCC, its effectiveness, and its implications for couples.
UCC is a form of counseling that is designed to address relationship issues for couples who are in distress. It involves counseling sessions with just one of the partners, rather than both. The sessions are typically between the counselor and the partner who is initiating the counseling. The aim is to identify and address the issues that are causing distress in the relationship. The counselor helps the partner to understand the relationship dynamics, identify patterns of behavior, and develop communication and problem-solving skills.
Studies have shown that UCC can be an effective form of intervention for couples in distress. Overall, UCC appears to be effective in reducing symptoms of distress, improving communication, and increasing satisfaction in the relationship. It has also been found to be more effective than traditional couples counseling for couples with high levels of conflict. In addition, UCC has been found to be especially effective for couples with chronic relationship issues, such as those with a history of infidelity or abuse.
Despite the positive findings, there are some potential drawbacks to UCC. First, UCC can be difficult to implement, as it requires a strong commitment from the partner initiating the counseling. Second, there is the potential for the counselor to bias the sessions by favoring the partner initiating the counseling. Finally, UCC does not address the underlying issues in the relationship, such as conflicts between the partners, which can be better addressed in traditional couples counseling.
In conclusion, UCC is a promising intervention for couples in distress. It can be effective in reducing distress, improving communication, and increasing satisfaction in the relationship. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks to UCC, such as the potential for bias in the sessions and the difficulty in implementing it.
References
Eddy, J. M., Willging, C. E., & Klesges, L. M. (2020). Unilateral couple counseling: A review. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 19(4), 413-428. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2020.1792117
Fredenberger, B., & Quinn, J. (2019). Unilateral couple counseling: What is it and does it work? Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(4), 944-956. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12528
Glick, D., & Stever, C. (2020). Unilateral couple counseling: A review of the current literature. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 46(3), 717-731. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12568
Lambert, E., & Pines, A. (2020). Unilateral couple counseling: An innovative and effective approach to couples therapy. International Journal of Couple and Family Psychology, 4(1), 22-35. https://doi.org/10.1037/icf0000107