Edited by Leslie Musgrove, PsyD and Megan Lawson, PsyD

A therapeutic couples assessment (also known as collaborative couples assessment) is an evidence-based approach to psychological assessment that utilizes a more therapeutic and collaborative process than traditional psychological assessment.  Therapeutic assessment involves a series of tests and assessments that are designed to provide a more in-depth understanding of personality dynamics and individual strengths and weaknesses. The process involves a series of interviews, questionnaires, and psychological tests that are administered, scored, and integrated by a trained psychologist. At the conclusion of the therapeutic assessment process the psychologist provides the client or clients with a highly personalized, in-depth conceptualization of psychological functioning that can be used to create a specific and individualized treatment plan.

Therapeutic assessment can be especially helpful in helping couples better understand problematic patterns in their relationship, while also improving communication, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. This type of assessment can be especially helpful for couples who are struggling to navigate challenges or conflicts in their relationship or for couples who are hoping to better understand their dynamics before they embark on a committed relationship together.

Possible Benefits of Therapeutic Assessment for Couples

1. Improved Communication: With understanding comes the ability to put conflict into words. The therapeutic assessment process can help couples address themes that arise in their relationship less defensively and more productively. Problems are much easier to solve when the issues are communicated effectively.

2. Enhanced Intimacy: Therapeutic assessment can also help couples deepen their emotional and physical intimacy. By exploring their individual and dynamic areas of strength and vulnerability, couples can gain a greater understanding of each other's needs and desires and learn new ways to connect and bond with one another.

3. Increased Self-Awareness: Another benefit is that it can help couples develop greater self-awareness. Through the assessment process, couples can gain insights into their own personality traits, communication styles, and emotional patterns that will help them become more reflective and intentional in how they react.

4. Better Problem-Solving Skills: Therapeutic assessment can also help couples develop better problem-solving skills. By identifying and addressing the underlying issues that are contributing to their relationship difficulties, couples can learn new ways to resolve conflicts and work together to overcome challenges.

5. Improved Overall Relationship Satisfaction: Ultimately, the goal of therapeutic assessment is to help couples build stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships. By providing couples with a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner, therapeutic assessment can help to create a more positive and satisfying relationship experience.

Ultimately, therapeutic assessment is a powerful tool that can help couples deepen their existing relationship, navigate the challenges and conflicts that arise in relationships, and act with more intention and deliberation. Completing a therapeutic assessment as a couple at the onset of entering couples therapy is likely to expedite the process as it generates a clear and comprehensive treatment plan from the start. It can also be used as a standalone intervention in many cases.