Every person, and every couple, has strengths that set them apart. But sometimes—when life gets hard, or when our focus is elsewhere—these strengths may be overlooked.

Research in positive psychology tells us that couples who are highly aware of their partner's strengths tend to be far more satisfied with their relationships, and much less likely to separate or divorce (Kauffman & Silberman, 2009). Couples who are in a rut, or those who are already satisfied with their relationships, can both benefit from strengths-focused activities.

In the Couple’s Strengths Exploration worksheet, each person will identify five of their partner’s greatest strengths, and then share stories that highlight them. Use this activity to help couples shift focus toward their positive qualities, instead of problems.

To learn more about using strengths during treatment, check out our guide on strengths-based therapy: