The Couples Therapy for One philosophy in a nutshell:
No one enters a relationship with a clean slate.
Everyone has a history,
Everyone has a story,
Everyone has experienced major or minor setbacks.
And everyone has developed ways to deal with them.
These are our survival strategies, our coping mechanisms.
The same goes for you,
For your partner,
For everyone.
Yet, what once helped us as children can get in our way later on.
In a relationship, our old survival strategies can become entangled.
And cause problems.
Like not understanding each other.
Not really seeing each other.
Not really hearing each other.
Because of misunderstandings, unfounded assumptions, misinterpretations, or beliefs about ourselves, or the other person.
Resulting in:
Irritation, misunderstanding, recriminations, frustration, arguments, distance, sadness and loneliness.
Subtle or not so subtle.
And that is nobody’s fault.
No one wants that.
The good news is: It doesn’t have to be that way.
Everyone wants a happy relationship and there’s something you can do about it.
You often have more influence than you think.
When you become aware of your own reactions and behavior.
You can learn to understand where they come from.
You’ll often learn to look at them with more kindness and compassion.
And take responsibility for them.
Regardless of what the other person does or doesn’t do.
Then a lot can change. Often much more than you think.
Because if you start reacting differently, the dynamic will certainly change.
And change can bring hope.
This doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships, but to all your relationships.
With your children, your parents, your siblings, your friends, your coworkers, etc.
How do I know this works?
I’ve seen it all firsthand.
Lived through it myself, and with my partner.
We’ve lived through it together.
From distance back to connection.
And then I poured what worked into this book.
A book I wish had been around back then.
Years of professional therapy and coaching experience combined with (my own) personal experiences.
In the hope that it will be helpful to others as well.
With relatable examples, practical exercises, and concrete tools.
So you’ll learn to better understand, improve, and deepen your relationship(s).
A new perspective:
Couples therapy for one.
It’s not about blame, but about discovering where your influence lies.
Couples Therapy for One
Written by Relationship Therapist Sophie Zeestraten
Author of the book Moederziel
Creator of the Couples Therapy for One podcast
Now available for order everywhere!
English sample translation available!
Interested in the sample translation?
Please contact Marianne Schönbach – literary agent – Schönbach literary agency: info@schonbach.nl
