Couples Therapy Session Notes Template
Description:
This template is designed for documenting ongoing couples therapy sessions, providing a structured format to track the couple's progress, the interventions used, and the plans for future sessions. It focuses on the couple's interactions, individual and joint goals, and the therapist's observations.
Note:
This template is for general therapy sessions in couples therapy. Adjust sections based on the session's focus and the couple's needs.
Date: [Record the date of the session]
Session Number: [Note the session number in the sequence of therapy]
Couple Names: [Enter the full legal names of both partners]
Therapist Name: [Enter the therapist’s full name]
Duration: [Note the length of the session in minutes]
Attendees: [List who was present during the session, e.g., both partners, therapist, any other participants]
Check-in
[Note how each partner is feeling or behaving at the start of the session, any recent positive experiences or challenges in the relationship.]
Review of Previous Session and Homework
[Summarize the main points from the last session.]
[Review any homework or tasks assigned, including what was completed, any challenges or successes, and how they relate to the couple's goals or relationship dynamics.]
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
[Describe the main issues or areas of focus for this session, such as communication, conflict resolution, or intimacy.]
[Detail the specific topics or conflicts discussed during the session, and how they relate to the couple's needs.]
Observations of Interactions
[Record the couple's engagement with each other, their communication patterns, and any notable statements or actions.]
[Note any progress or regressions observed in their relationship dynamics or individual behaviors.]
Interventions and Techniques Used
[Detail the specific interventions, techniques, or exercises used during the session, and how they were applied to address the couple's issues.]
[Note each partner's response to these interventions and any insights gained.]
Goals and Progress
[Review the couple's current goals for the relationship and how they are progressing towards them.]
[Note any adjustments to goals or new goals set during the session.]
Plan for the Next Session
[Outline the plan for the next session, including any specific topics to cover, activities to use, or goals to achieve.]
[Assign any homework or tasks for the couple to complete before the next session.]
Risk Assessment
[Assess any risks to the relationship, such as separation, infidelity, or violence, and note any safety measures or referrals made.]
[Identify protective factors or strengths that can be utilized to mitigate risks.]
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
[Record any observations about the couple's presentation, such as their mood, affect, or body language, that are relevant to their therapy.]
[Note any impressions or hypotheses about the couple's dynamics or the effectiveness of the interventions, which can guide future sessions.]
[Document any adjustments to the treatment plan or concerns that need to be addressed in future sessions.]
Couples Therapy Session Notes Template (Filled Mock Session)
Date: June 15, 2025
Session Number: 3
Couple Names: John Smith and Jane Smith
Therapist Name: Dr. Emily Davis
Duration: 50 minutes
Attendees: John, Jane, Dr. Davis
Check-in
John reports feeling frustrated with the lack of progress in their communication.
Jane says she's feeling more hopeful after last session's exercise.
Review of Previous Session and Homework
Last session, we worked on active listening skills.
Homework was to practice active listening during one conversation each day.
John says he tried but felt Jane wasn't reciprocating.
Jane says she did practice and felt it helped, but John was resistant.
Current Focus and Topics Discussed
This session focused on understanding each other's perspectives and validating feelings.
We discussed a recent argument about household chores and how they can approach it differently.
Observations of Interactions
John and Jane both actively participated but had moments of tension when discussing the argument.
Jane was more open to seeing John's point of view, while John struggled to acknowledge Jane's feelings.
Interventions and Techniques Used
We used role-playing to practice expressing and validating each other's emotions.
I modeled how to use "I" statements and encouraged them to do the same.
Goals and Progress
Their goal is to improve communication and reduce arguments.
They have shown some progress in recognizing their communication patterns but need more practice in active listening and validation.
Plan for the Next Session
The next session will focus on problem-solving skills for recurring issues.
Homework: Each partner will write down one thing they appreciate about the other and share it before the next session.
Risk Assessment
No immediate risks to the relationship. Both are committed to working on their issues.
Therapist's Observations and Impressions
John seems more resistant to change, while Jane is more adaptable.
It's important to address John's frustrations and find ways to engage him more in the process.
I may need to have individual check-ins or find ways to motivate John.