Although interpersonal interactions are also addressed in emotional disorders, the focus of therapy can be on affective, social or professional relationships.

 

The cognitive model applied in relationships involves identifying and replacing unfavorable and distorted beliefs, rules and assumptions of reality. An example of an unfavorable belief may be "people are not to be trusted". An example of a rule is "I always have to be in control in order not to be rejected". An example of an assumption is to think "if I am criticized it means that I am not a good person".

 

In general, some themes present are trust, intimacy, assertiveness (being firm in relation to one's needs), hostile, defensive, critical and demanding interaction styles and difficulties in dealing with authority and power. Behavioral experiments help to test more adaptive thoughts and behaviors.

 

Throughout life, situations that are difficult to face arise, such as ending an affective relationship, loss of loved one or unemployment. Professional help can help to overcome them with less suffering, making the most of the opportunities for knowledge and personal empowerment that they offer.