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Ep. 43. Couples Work: What works, what doesn’t, and why

Rafael Cortina and his fellow Podcaster, Dr. Jim Bramson, discuss their unique approach to couples therapy. Rafael and Jim utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach that pulls from the following: Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Work, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Terrance Real, and the PACT model (Tatkin’s work), to name but a few.

In this episode, Rafael and Jim talk about what has worked well with couples, what has, and why. It is their aim at all times to build genuine rapport with their clients, creating an emotionally safe environment with an emphasis on honesty, curiosity, respect, heart-centered awareness, mutuality, and transparency. Jim discusses the importance of differentiation versus convergence, while Rafael considers the binary described as abandonment versus engulfment. They both agree that laughter is the ultimate elixir. Humor is important for couples work as it breaks down tension, can be a sign of self-acceptance, self-reflection, egolessness, and meta cognition.

Cross cultural difference with couples, language barriers, and other barriers to entry are discussed. There is an emphasis on how to be fluent in the unique dialogue the couple shares.

Rafael and Jim hope that practitioners listening to this Podcast may learn a thing or two of import that informs their work. Additionally, this episode covers topics relevant to individuals seeking couples therapy. Rafael and Jim want prospective clients to be better consumers of couples therapy and to know what to look for and what to expect.