Assessment and Treatment Planning in Couples Therapy

Assessment and treatment planning set the foundation for effective couples therapy. Without a clear structure, therapy can drift, become reactive, or focus too narrowly on the presenting argument rather than the relationship system underneath it. This training supports clinicians to confidently gather relationship histories, assess key risk and strength areas, and develop treatment plans that are ethical, collaborative, and clinically meaningful.

What you will learn

• How to conduct a thorough couples assessment without overwhelming clients
• How to gather relationship history, significant events, and past ruptures
• How to explore presenting problems and motivation for therapy
• How individual histories including mental health, family background, and values inform couple dynamics
• How to use structured assessment tools to inform formulation and treatment planning
• How to translate assessment data into clear therapeutic goals

Who is it for:

• Especially helpful for clinicians who feel unsure about how much assessment is enough, how to structure early sessions, or how to move from information gathering into focused therapy.
• Level of experience
• Suitable for early career and experienced clinicians. Previous training in couples therapy is highly recommended.

What is included:

• Guidance on conducting joint and individual assessment sessions
• Overview of commonly used couples assessment tools and how to interpret them
• Case examples demonstrating assessment informed treatment planning
• Practical frameworks to support formulation and goal setting