Our Relationship Strengths
A strengths-based couples worksheet rating relationship areas, recalling initial attraction and a time the couple handled adversity well.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Strengths-based couples work
- Approach / concern
- Couples & Relationships
- Technique
- Strengths-based couples work
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Advanced plan
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Our Relationship Strengths?
Fondness, admiration and shared positive history are protective in relationships. Strengths-based exercises increase positive sentiment and hope early in couples therapy.
Why it works
Gottman and Silver (2015) describe nurturing fondness and admiration as a foundation of healthy relationships. Relationship education emphasizes building positive connection (Markman et al., 2010).
When to use it
- Start of couples therapy
- Discouraged couples
- Relationship check-ups
- Premarital counselling
How to use it in session
- Complete separately.
- Share strengths.
- Recall early attraction.
- Remember a shared success.
- Refer back during hard sessions.
Clinician tips
- Use early to build alliance.
- Notice difficulty finding positives (contempt risk).
- Celebrate small strengths.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why focus on strengths when we have problems?
Remembering strengths builds goodwill and hope for tackling problems.
What if we can’t think of any?
Talk to your therapist; it may help to start with small moments.
References
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work (Rev. ed.). Harmony Books.
Markman, H. J., Stanley, S. M., & Blumberg, S. L. (2010). Fighting for your marriage (3rd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
