After the first session, Dr. Rein emails his book that reviews the research on how successful couples communicate with one another. Couples find the information extremely beneficial and often begin to make changes even before their first treatment session. Dr. Rein also sends a form that reviews the couples counseling process-how to prepare for the sessions and guidelines for practicing in between sessions.

ln order to work through issues, it’s best for couples to talk directly to each other in couples counseling. Since Dr. Rein is giving feedback about how to communicate most effectively, these discussions go very differently than they would at home.

Instead of escalating or disconnecting, couples are now working through issues with which they previously struggled. Eventually, the skills couples use in the couples counseling sessions become the skills they use at home.

As couples decrease negativity in their relationship—negativity is five times more powerful than positivity—couples eventually enhance their friendship and emotional intimacy. When there is less negativity in relationships, couples can focus on increasing their emotional intimacy.