Understanding Love: A Therapeutic Look at Sternberg’s Triangular Theory

Understanding Love: A Therapeutic Look at Sternberg’s Triangular Theory As a counselor, love is a topic that finds its way into many sessions—whether it’s the absence of it, the complexity of it, or the pain of watching it change. One of the most helpful models I’ve come across, both for understanding my own relationships and helping clients reflect on theirs, is Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. This theory breaks love down into three fundamental components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each can exist independently, in pairs, or all together. The shape of a person’s “love triangle” helps us make sense […]