Getting together.
I offer a safe framework for you to open up towards each other, to understand one another better, and to experience mutual appreciation and empathy. A framework in which you can make a courageous effort to find solutions together. To feel connection, love, and closeness again.
In what cases can couple therapy help you?
Dissatisfaction with your relationship.
If you feel increasingly dissatisfied in your relationship; if monotony and boredom have crept into your shared everyday life through too much routine; if you feel increasingly upset or sad about this or if you withdraw; if you carry old wounds that you cannot leave behind, or if you keep fighting over trivialities or different opinions, or if you fall silent although you are upset; if you are withdrawing your positive feelings from your partner due to a new acquaintance that appears more attractive than your current relationship, then couple therapy can help you find out whether you are willing and able to make a change, together.
Superficial communication, unfair problem solving, and lack of support.
If you find it difficult to address conflicts or talk about your needs; if you have a hard time finding fair solutions to your relationship problems together; if you feel less and less understood and supported by your partner; if your conversations seem superficial and empty. Especially when couples have children, day-to-day stress and the frequency of rows tend to increase significantly, while satisfaction with the relationship and willingness to support one another decrease markedly. If you have a wish to find a new depth to your conversations and to experience more mutual support again, couple therapy can help you with that.
Lack of intimacy and connection.
If you have grown apart emotionally and physically over time because relationships suffer greatly from day-to-day stress and become neglected; if you withdraw from your relationship and strike out on your own more and more; if you are already considering or living in another relationship, then couple therapy can help you to find authenticity again and to decide which way you would really like to turn and commit to.
Dr. phil. Kathrin Widmer, Specialist Psychologist for Psychotherapy FSP and Couple Therapist
About me
Education and training.
I studied Clinical Psychology, Experimental Psychology and Social Work/Social Policy at the University of Fribourg where I received my PhD in 2001. Starting in 1999, I simultaneously completed a postgraduate training course in psychotherapy to become a Specialist Psychologist for Psychotherapy FSP. Since 1997, I have been trained and supervised by Prof. Guy Bodenmann of the University of Zurich, and have been further educating myself in various approaches of couple therapy.
Activity.
Between 2001 and 2008, I was the coordinator of the Institute for Family Research and Counselling at the University of Fribourg. Since August 2008, I have been heading the counselling and therapy centre for couples at the University of Zurich's Psychotherapy Centre. As a trainer and supervisor, I introduce trainee psychotherapists to coping-oriented couple therapy during their postgraduate studies at the University of Bern as well as at the AIM (Academy for Behavioural Therapy and Integration of Methods). Since 2014, I have been heading the postgraduate degree CAS in Couple Therapy at the University of Zurich together with Prof. Guy Bodenmann.
In addition to my work at the University of Zurich, I have worked in my own couple therapy practice in Bern since 2012.
My focus in couple therapy is first and foremost to strengthen your abilities as a couple and your commitment to one another.
Coping-oriented couple therapy
Indications.
Couple therapy is indicated in cases of growing dissatisfaction in a relationship, acute relationship crisis, and recurring thoughts of separation. It is also useful for couples who have lost their commitment and their attraction towards each other and who would like to reanimate their relationship. Couple therapy is also often beneficial to both partners even when treating individual disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
Background.
Coping-oriented therapy is based on cognitive behavioural therapy as well as on decades of fundamental research on couples. This approach focuses on strengthening the couple's skills and their commitment to each other. Research clearly shows that the more partners open up towards one another, address conflict openly and respectfully, and solve problems together, the more favourable the development of their relationship will be.
Methods.
I work with various methods to foster positivity, strengthen the partners’ self-awareness and self-disclosure, help deepen the communication and support problem-solving abilities in case of personal differences. At a later point in the therapy, I also apply methods of acceptance work. You will learn to approach one another openly again in the sessions and in everyday life. You will be able to apply the methods you have learnt to your daily life and to make new emotional experiences through behaviour changes, which will bring you closer together again.
I am looking forward to an initial conversation with you. You can decide afterwards whether you would like to continue working with me.
+41 79 835 12 38
kathrin.widmer@hin.ch
Basic information on couple therapy
Duration.
There is no fixed duration for couple therapy. Usually, therapy sessions will be held every other week. Based on experience, a therapy will take between 5 and 20 sessions (of two hours each). Depending on the initial situation, the duration of your therapy may be shorter or longer.
Effectiveness.
This form of couple therapy is one of the forms of therapy whose effectiveness has been scientifically tested and documented most extensively. Many studies have proven that coping-oriented, behavioural couple therapy can improve relationships effectively and for the long term.
Conditions.
One couple therapy session of 60 minutes duration costs 190 Swiss francs. If you cannot keep an appointment, you can move or cancel it until 24 hours prior to the appointment. I am bound to professional secrecy. Everything that you report during therapy is strictly confidential.