How the COVID pandemic has transformed couples therapy in the USA

Friday, June 7, 2024.

The COVID pandemic has significantly reshaped the landscape of couples therapy in the United States, driving both challenges and innovations in how therapy is conducted and perceived.

With the onset of the pandemic, couples faced unprecedented stressors, including health anxieties, financial uncertainties, and the pressures of constant togetherness.

These factors led to an increase in relationship conflicts, as evidenced by a study showing that 34% of partnered respondents reported increased conflict and decreased intimacy during lockdown periods (Psychology Today, 2021).

Consequently, the demand for couples therapy soared as partners sought ways to navigate these challenges.

Increased Demand and Shifting Modalities

To meet this demand, therapists rapidly adapted to teletherapy, offering virtual sessions to ensure continuity of care despite social distancing measures. This shift to online therapy brought its own set of benefits and drawbacks. While virtual sessions provided greater flexibility and accessibility, they also posed challenges in terms of technological barriers and the loss of in-person nuances.

Focus on Communication and Conflict Resolution

The pandemic highlighted the critical need for effective communication and conflict resolution strategies within relationships. Therapists have emphasized these skills more than ever, helping couples develop healthier ways to express their needs and resolve disagreements. Studies suggest that addressing these issues can significantly improve relationship satisfaction and individual well-being (PLOS ONE, 2021).

Mental Health Impacts

The mental health toll of the pandemic has been significant, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among those experiencing relationship conflicts (Psychology Today, 2021).

Couples therapy has thus expanded its focus to address these individual mental health issues, recognizing their impact on the relationship dynamic. This holistic approach ensures that both partners are supported in managing their mental health, which in turn benefits the relationship as a whole.

Innovations and Thought Leadership

Thought leaders in the field, such as Dr. Samantha Joel, emphasize the importance of understanding each partner's perspective and fostering empathy. She notes, "The more dependent people believed their partner was on the relationship, the less likely they were to initiate a breakup" (Joel et al., 2018).

This insight underscores the unselfish nature of many relationship decisions and the importance of addressing underlying dependencies and fears.

Moreover, some experts argue that the shift to online therapy could have long-term benefits, making therapy more accessible to couples who might have otherwise avoided it due to stigma or logistical issues.

Virtual therapy sessions can offer a level of convenience and comfort that traditional in-office sessions may lack.

Implications and Surprises for Americans

One surprising implication of this research is the potential altruism in relationship dynamics. Many partners during COVID remained in unhappy relationships out of concern for their partner's well-being, which may seem counterintuitive in a culture that often prioritizes individual happiness and personal fulfillment.

This finding suggests a deeper layer of empathy and selflessness in some relationship decisions, challenging the notion of purely self-interested motives during a historic and uncertain period in history.

The COVID pandemic has significantly transformed couples therapy in the USA, introducing both challenges and innovations to the field.

The shift to telehealth, the exacerbation of existing relationship issues, and the increased stress from external factors have all played pivotal roles in reshaping how therapy is conducted and received.

Telehealth and Virtual Therapy

One of the most significant changes has been the move to telehealth. Many therapists had to quickly adapt to online services due to social distancing measures and lockdowns. Telehealth has made therapy more accessible for many couples, eliminating the need for travel and allowing for more flexible scheduling. However, it also posed challenges, such as ensuring privacy and dealing with technical difficulties​ (PLOS)​​ (Verywell Mind)​.

Increased Relationship Stress

The pandemic has amplified stress levels, which in turn has impacted relationships. Financial stress, health concerns, and the pressures of remote work and homeschooling have increased tension between partners. According to Dr. Leela R. Magavi, increased anxiety during the pandemic can manifest as irritability and anger, straining even the strongest relationships​ (Verywell Mind)​.

The Rise of Specific Issues

Several specific issues have become more prominent during the pandemic. Boredom and lack of novelty have been significant concerns, with many couples struggling to find new activities to do together while stuck at home. Amy Morin, LCSW, highlights that novelty is a key component of a good relationship, and the inability to venture out on dates or meet new people has made many relationships feel stagnant​ (Verywell Mind)​.

Adaptation and Resilience

Despite these challenges, many couples have also shown resilience and adaptability. Some have found creative ways to cope with boredom and stress, such as engaging in new hobbies together or setting aside dedicated alone time. For example, one couple mentioned starting a month-long puzzle hunt and later diving into cooking and cocktail-making to keep their relationship fresh and engaging​ (Verywell Mind)​.

Altruism in Relationships

Interestingly, the pandemic has also highlighted the unselfish nature of many people's relationship decisions. As I mentioned earlier, and it bears repeating, research has shown that some folks reported remaining in unhappy relationships if they believe their partner cannot cope with a breakup.

This altruistic behavior underscores the complexity of relationship dynamics and the importance for some partners to consider both partners' well-being​ (PLOS)​.

Final thoughts

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, the lessons learned during this period will likely have lasting impacts on couples therapy practice.

The increased use of telehealth, a greater focus on managing depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as the development of new coping strategies are all changes that could continue to shape the field. That’s why this blog focuses so intently on these challenges.

While the COVID pandemic has introduced numerous challenges for couples and therapists alike, it has also fostered innovation and highlighted the resilience of many, but not most, relationships.

Moving forward, the insights gained during this time will be invaluable in supporting couples through future crises and everyday challenges.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

Magavi, L. R. (2020). How the pandemic has affected relationships. Retrieved from Verywell Mind

Morin, A. (2020). Managing relationship boredom during the pandemic. Retrieved from Verywell Mind

Adaptation to change: How COVID-19 has affected goals and relationships. (2020). PLOS ONE. Retrieved from PLOS ONE