Understanding and changing relationship patterns in couple dynamics

Understanding and changing dysfunctional relationship patterns is a central theme in psychotherapy. To understand how they arise, it is worth taking a look at an individual’s life story. Harmful behaviours are triggered particularly in conflict situations with those closest to us. Romantic relationships, in particular, offer the opportunity to develop ways of relating that are better suited to each partner’s needs. This presentation demonstrates how relationship patterns can be explained using a biographical approach, what triggers so-called ‘relationship pattern clashes’, and how couples can counteract them.