Relationship Audit Worksheet

What is a relationship audit?

A relationship audit is a way that relationship therapists can evaluate the working dynamics of a romantic relationship. Important aspects such as communication, trust, intimacy, shared values, and conflict resolution work together to foster understanding and promote fulfilling relationships (Mohr & Spekman, 1994). An audit provides a structured reflection through the use of questions about specific areas within a relationship.

Within relationship therapy, this resource can be used as an assessment tool to gain insight into a couple's concerns, dynamics, and overall satisfaction. Completing the resource allows therapists to understand specific areas that couples might be struggling with. While it encourages the identification of specific issues, it can also serve as a tracking tool. By revisiting the audit periodically, therapists can evaluate whether changes are being made, ensuring continuous growth and improvement within the relationship.

An audit can be useful if a couple experiences a relationship breakdown or persistent challenges. Major life changes such as marriage, having children, or financial stress may strain a relationship, allowing room for stress to negatively impact the couple and other family members. Ultimately, therapists may use it to help couples develop clear, measurable growth goals and create a plan for addressing specific concerns.

What is a Relationship Audit Worksheet?

A Relationship Audit Worksheet is a comprehensive tool structured to support mental health and relationship practitioners in gaining a clear understanding of how an individual feels within their relationship. It not only supports the practitioner but also helps partners identify any strengths or weaknesses they wish to address.

This Relationship Audit Worksheet is designed to help individuals reflect on key aspects of their relationship by asking insightful questions about how they perceive various dynamics, such as communication, trust, intimacy, and shared goals. It encourages honest self-reflection and provides a framework for understanding strengths and areas for improvement in the relationship.

The overall goal of this worksheet is to support positive and healthy relationships. Included within this are various benefits that can support development:

• Identify a relationship's strengths
• Identify areas for improvement
• Foster open communication
• Set clear goals
• Track progress

A relationship audit can help couples navigate challenges and deepen their connection, fostering an environment where true love can thrive and grow.

How to use our Relationship Audit Worksheet template

Using the Relationship Audit Worksheet is easy. We've created step-by-step instructions to ensure you can easily access and implement the worksheet in your practice.

Step 1: Access the audit

Begin by clicking "Use template" or "Download" to get a copy of the Relationship Audit Worksheet. From here, you can save a version to your preferred device or save it as a printable version. This worksheet can be implemented for both telehealth clients and in-person clients.

Step 2: Allow clients to complete the worksheet

Depending on the time allocated to each session, clients should complete their Relationship Audit Worksheet before their next session. You can allocate time during the session to complete the worksheet or assign it as homework to discuss and explore in the next session.

Step 3: Hold an open discussion

Once completed, allow your clients time to talk about any concerns. Key concerns may be boundaries, communication, and intimacy. You may act as a mediator in difficult conversations. You must be ready to support both clients during this discussion.

Step 4: Create a plan

Support your clients in creating a clear, actionable plan to strengthen and nurture the relationship. Identify key areas for improvement and set specific and realistic goals. It may also be beneficial to develop progress monitoring timelines and ensure the plan remains in place.

Step 5: Store the completed worksheet

Finally, you can store the completed worksheet within the Carepatron app. This allows you to revisit the document when required and for tracking and progress monitoring purposes.

Next steps

Once the relationship audit has been completed, clients can benefit from creating a plan for the next steps in their relationship.

Open discussion

Once completed, couples may engage in an open discussion about what stood out and whether there are concerns or areas for improvement. This allows clients to share and explore both the positive and negative aspects of their relationship in a safe environment.

Set specific goals

Based on the highlighted actions by the audit, couples may then identify actionable goals that they can work on personally and together. These may include improving their communication. Other worksheets provided by Carepatron, such as the SMART Goals Worksheet, can support the development and progress monitoring of these goals.

Create an action plan

Finally, develop a plan to track progress. Couples may schedule regular check-ins and adjust as needed to strengthen their relationship. Frequent check-ins with each other and their relationship practitioner can promote accountability.

Benefits of using this worksheet

Using this worksheet has various benefits. Partners can also benefit from shared insights and personal growth. These benefits also include the following:

Increased self-awareness

The Relationship Audit Worksheet focuses on reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the relationship. Identifying these with the help of their partner can promote self-awareness and support understanding of the patterns individuals may exhibit in the relationship.

Clearer communication

Both partners can better understand where the other sits within their relationship. Important questions about their outlook for the near and distant future can support an outlook on the relationship. This can also help them comprehend the other's needs, desires, and concerns. This clarity opens the door to more open and honest conversations.

Conflict resolution

One section of this audit is dedicated to conflict. It allows partners to identify areas of tension or unresolved issues. By acknowledging these, couples can work together to find a solution, understand miscommunication, and develop a healthy approach to conflict resolution. Individuals may take what they have talked about in this section and apply it to a real situation when it occurs.

Relationship growth

Couples who utilize a relationship audit may see growth occur within their relationship. The audit works to identify areas of strength and weakness within the relationship. Actively identifying these aspects of a relationship can allow partners to work towards enhancing their relationship.

References

Mohr, J., & Spekman, R. (1994). Characteristics of partnership success: Partnership attributes, communication behavior, and conflict resolution techniques. Strategic Management Journal, 15(2), 135–152.https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250150205