Couples therapy can be challenging. But having some tools may help you as you take on this challenge!

This packet for couples therapy includes one downloadable form and six downloadable handouts you can use immediately with all the couples you work with.

1. Treatment Agreement For Couples: When providing couples therapy, you can’t use the same forms you use with individual clients. My Treatment Agreement for Couples has all the information you give at intake to individual clients, but also addresses important issues unique to couples work, such as:
   • who is defined as the client (ethics codes require this to be made clear to clients at the start of treatment)
   • the need to choose an identified patient when using insurance
   • your approach to treating couples
   • how individual sessions will be handled during the course of couples treatment
   • confidentiality issues, including your secrets / no secrets policy
   • who has the right to ask for charts or to release information if records are requested by a third party
2. "Fair Fighting" (Handout): This is one of my favorite handouts for couples and families. This handout talks about how arguments can lead to growth, if handled respectfully, and gives important ground rules for "fair fighting."
3. "Time Out Contract:" This Time Out Contract gives couples an important tool that helps them de-escalate arguments, to avoid saying things they will regret, and even to help prevent verbal and physical abuse. By signing the Contract, they pledge to take a "time out" when they feel their anger flaring. The exercise builds their ability to tell when their anger is building, and the handout gives tips about positive steps to take during and after the argument to allow both sides to cool down.  A clear contract can also help you later identify why clients are unable to abide by their pledge. This convenient handout is one they can post on the refrigerator, and refer to when things get heated.
4. "Rules For The Date" (Handout): In the course of treatment, you may assign a couple to go out on a "date" in an effort to restore positivity to the relationship. But providing structure may be needed to help couples break out of dysfunctional habits and ensure the date's success. This helpful handout for clients offers guidelines about the date, and serves as a reminder to clients of the assignment.
5. Passive, Assertive, Aggressive, and Passive Aggressive (Handout): This handout helps client identify their dysfunctional communication styles in relationships, so they can notice when their communication or behavior becomes overly Passive, Aggressive, or Passive Aggressive, and helps define the difference between these and Assertive behavior.
6. Active Listening Handout #2: Tips. This handout gives tips on how to most effectively use Active Listening Skills to make a partner feel heard, and helps couples to improve their listening skills.

7. Active Listening Handout #1: Skills. This handout gives structured step-by-step instructions on how to actively listen to a partner or family member. It's a great technique to teach and practice repeatedly with couples in session and then send them home to give it a try on their own.

Have you watched my webinar "Couples Therapy: Billing, Documentation, and Ethical Dilemmas?" It is sure to challenge myths you have about billing for couples, the way you document their sessions, and the way you think about working with them. Check out the pre-recorded course here.