The therapist aims to change the rigid communication patterns of those involved.
Openness: Partners learn to express what they want to say to each other in a clear manner, without vague diversions or hidden meanings. They must also learn to let each other speak. This is especially important for the more dominant person in the relationship, who might have to learn to take a different stance.
In most cases, something in the power balance of the relationship has to change.
Partners should pay more attention to each other's non-verbal signals and learn to react.
But unfortunately, things aren’t always as easy as they look.
The interaction patterns of those involved can be so ingrained that simply explaining the destructiveness of these patterns isn’t enough.
The therapist’s presence creates a safe environment in which the communication process can take place.
