Couples counseling Chattanooga is based on some principles which are effective in strengthening relationships. Both the partners see the relationship in a more objective manner throughout the therapeutic process. They become responsible and learn to stop the blame game and look at what happens to them as a process involving each partner. They realize that their relationship is taking place in a certain context. The way the therapists share the information obtained through hypotheses with the couples varies by the therapists' particular theoretical orientation. This helps in altering the way the relationship is seen and the couples tend to start seeing each other and their interactions in more adoptive ways. Relationship counseling Chattanooga modifies dysfunctional behavior. The way the partners behave with each other is changed through effective couples therapy. Apart from helping couples improve their interactions, therapists also ensure that the couples are engaging in actions that can cause psychological, physical or economic harm. This can only be done through assessment to determine whether the clients are in fact at risk or not. One of the partners can also be referred to a domestic violence shelter, specialize drug abuse treatment or to anger management. If the risk is not sufficiently severe, the couple can benefit from time-out procedures to stop the escalation of conflict.

Those couples who avoid expressing their private feelings put themselves at greater risk of becoming emotionally distant and thus grow apart. Marriage counseling Chattanooga helps to bring out the emotions and thoughts that the couples fear to share with their partners and eventually draw them closer together. Some couples are afraid that their partners will reject them so they do not show them how much they need them. Ability to communicate is one of the vital aspects of intimacy. This communication should not be abusive and the partners should not ridicule each other when they express their true feelings. The couples should learn how to speak to each other in more supportive and understanding ways. They should know what types of communications will cause more conflict and what types are more effective. They should also learn to listen more actively and empathically. Couples who believe in mutual criticism require a different approach than the ones who believe in avoiding conflicts at all costs. The job of the therapists is said to be done when they point out the strengths in the relationship and build resilience particularly as the therapy comes to a close. Therapy involves focusing on problem areas so other areas in which couples function effectively might be out of sight. By promoting strength the therapists help the couples to derive more enjoyment of their out of their relationship. One partner should do something that pleases the other partner.