Comparing two therapy approaches for relationship problems and emotional distress

This study is testing two different approaches to couple therapy to see which one helps more with relationship distress, depression, and anxiety. One approach, called Brief Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy, focuses on understanding unconscious patterns and early relationship experiences. The other, called Emotionally Focused Therapy, focuses on helping couples express emotions and break negative cycles.

Many couples struggle with relationship problems alongside depression and anxiety, and therapists need to know which therapy approach works best. While one of these therapies has more research backing it, the other has been used clinically for a long time but hasn't been thoroughly tested.