The Couple Relationship and Depression

Furthermore, evidence reveals that up to 30% of severe depressive episodes could be prevented if the couple relationship was improved. In our presentations, we will consider how a relationship can cause depression, but can also be the source of recovery. Skills in Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD) will be explained to demonstrate the effectives of this time-limited approach.

Our presenters will describe how the CTfD therapist formulates a dynamic picture of a couple’s interaction, hypothesising the couple’s unconscious, defensive ‘fit’ that is manifest in the depressive symptoms of one or both partners. The aim is to construct a psychodynamic understandstanding and systemic picture of the couples’s world and history to help them form a new understanding of their relationship. In doing so, the therapist must plot a path – unique to each couple – between facilitating and exploring proactive couple exercises, then stepping back to maintain an overview of the internal worlds of the couple. We will examine the therapeutic expertise and interventions employed in this highly effective approach.

Couple Therapy for Depression, is an evidence based, integrated, time limited couple therapy. Tavistock Relationships trains in CTfD on behalf of Health Education England and has done so since 2010 after being commissioned to create the training programme in 2009.  CTfD is available on the NHS but its provision remains patchy and its availability is largely unknown amongst the general public.  

Tavistock Relationships also offers a short course in CTfD to private practitioners keen to incorporate its competencies into their current skillset.