Who are the clients in couples counseling?

In couples counseling, the clients are specifically the couple who is seeking help with their relationship. This setting focuses on the dynamics between the two individuals, addressing issues that affect their partnership, communication, and overall satisfaction in the relationship.

The purpose of couples counseling is to provide a safe environment where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings, work through conflicts, and develop healthier patterns of interaction. The therapist's primary role is to facilitate this process and help both individuals work toward a common goal of improving their relationship.

Understanding that the couple themselves are the clients emphasizes a key ethical principle in counseling: the need to focus on the presenting concerns of those directly seeking help, rather than involving unrelated parties who may not share the same relationship dynamics or goals. This focused approach helps to maintain clarity in the therapeutic process and ensures that the couple's specific needs and challenges are being addressed.