In this time of fragmented families and vulnerable marriages, many couples reach out for therapeutic help. Some couples struggle with emotional regulation, narcissistic vulnerability, feelings of rage or hopelessness, sequelae of trauma, and other issues which interfere with their interpersonal connection.
Psychoanalytic Marital Therapy is uniquely suited to uncover and identify the deeper roots of such relational difficulties. From the outset, psychoanalytic marital therapy has been concerned with two fundamental topics: (1) the reasons for choosing a partner, and (2) the reasons for marital unhappiness or distress. Relationships begin to break down when the conscious, and especially the unconscious, needs of both partners are not being met. The relational dysfunction often arises from internal conflicts that both partners bring into the marriage, and these conflicts primarily originate from family of origin issues.
The goal of psychoanalytic marital therapy is not simply symptom resolution; one does not treat but rather the ultimate goal is a fundamental return to an appropriate developmental phase of marital life (homeostasis), with an improved capacity to successfully manage developmental stress; an improved capacity to work together as life partners; an improved capacity for mutual gratification (fulfillment-happiness) when relating openly, honestly, intimately; an improved capacity to differentiate one’s separateness from the another (individuate) and to empathically listen and respond to the needs of "the other"- (the capacity for compassion and concern for each other).
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