Our closest relationship—often with a spouse or partner—can have a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing. When this bond is strong, it can be a powerful source of support. But when difficulties arise, the stress can be significant, especially if the problems are ongoing. Research shows that relationship distress is closely linked with mental health difficulties, particularly depression. In fact, marital distress not only predicts depressive symptoms but can also contribute to relapse if left unresolved.
Behavioural Couple Therapy (BCT) is designed to help when:
1 – Relationship difficulties are severe or ongoing.
2 – These difficulties are making one or both partners unhappy or unwell.
“Maybe the purpose of being here, wherever we are, is to increase the durability and the occasions of love among and between people”
June Jordan
Instead of focusing on just one individual, BCT looks at the dynamics between partners—how each person relates to the other and how those patterns might be contributing to distress. For someone experiencing depression alongside relationship difficulties, for example, couple therapy is often the most effective starting point. By improving the relationship, we create a healthier environment that supports recovery and helps prevent relapse.
In therapy, the focus is on promoting:
• Understanding and responsiveness – recognising your partner’s needs and learning how to support them.
• Shared values and compromise – finding common ground where possible.
• Acceptance and tolerance – respecting differences when compromise is not an option.
Ultimately, couples therapy helps partners move out of cycles of conflict or disconnection and into a more supportive, understanding, and resilient relationship. By addressing relationship distress directly, therapy not only strengthens the bond between partners but also fosters lasting improvements in individual wellbeing.
“Beyond right and wrong there is a field. I’ll meet you there”
Rumi