Occasionally, I have couples who can’t talk directly to each other in couples counseling. Their patterns are so entrenched that they repeat the unhealthy dynamics from home in the couples counseling office.

In these cases, I have each partner talk directly to me without interrupting each other. This allows individuals to express themselves and listen to their partners fully. If either individual miscommunicates or misperceives, giving them feedback is easier. 

If couples are hostile to each other at home, this approach begins to break the pattern. The hope is that these couples eventually become skilled enough to talk to each other, initially in the facilitated couples counseling session and eventually at home.