Crucible Approach Therapy
What is Crucible approach therapy?
Crucible® therapy or the Crucible approach is an integrated therapeutic approach that started out as an integrated treatment for sex, intimacy, and relationship problems. It was developed by Dr. David Schnarch and differs significantly from traditional models by integrating both sex therapy and effective marital therapy. With couples, the therapist will ultimately push them outside of their comfort zone and develop new comfort zones by becoming more emotionally mature.
How does Crucible approach therapy work?
The focus is on helping you and your partner reach your sexual potential by increasing your overall capacity for both intimacy and passion while at the same time settling any of your unresolved sexual issues. The Crucible approach emphasizes personal growth and the concept of differentiation.
Differentiation focuses on helping you to tolerate anxiety while facing issues head on, all the while improving your ability to self soothe while you hear and say difficult things. It also involves improving your ability to hold onto your sense of self while maintaining the relationship. This also requires you to be able to balance your needs and self-identity with that of your partner – and vice versa.
Some of the main concepts and terms created by Dr. David Schnarch identified in Crucible focused therapy include:
- Emotional gridlock – which occurs when you cannot agree to disagree and feel that you can no longer compromise.
- Normal marital sadism – which are the typical mean, sarcastic and spiteful things that couples tend to say and do to each other – both sexually and non-sexually.
- Self and Other validated intimacy – self validated intimacy is about sharing your thoughts and feelings to your partner and other validated intimacy is when your partner accepts those thoughts and feelings.
- Collaborative alliance – you, your partner, and the therapist have the same goals.
- Other concepts for you and your partner learn about and explore!
By using these concepts, the therapist will ultimately push you and your partner outside of your comfort zone and develop new comfort zones by becoming more emotionally mature.
When is Crucible approach therapy used?
Although most often used to treat couples, Crucible approach therapy is also useful in treating concerns that individuals face as well. This treatment is effective in dealing with:
- Marriage and relationship concerns
- Sexuality and intimacy issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Some personality disorders
- Some mental health disorders
- Difficult people
- Self esteem issues
This type of therapy may be used to treat other conditions and concerns in addition to those listed above. It may also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment method for your individual circumstances.
You should be aware that there is no treatment method that is successful for every person. What works for you, may not work for someone else.
What to expect from therapy
Put simply, you will get out of therapy what you put into it. It’s not a magic solution that will solve all your problems. It may involve you doing some real work and being completely honest with yourself and your therapist. Sometimes facing our truth is the hardest thing of all – but from that discomfort can come healing and growth.
Insight’s therapists are available for in-person, online, or telephone counselling at many locations in Alberta. Contact us to learn more.
