From Couple Therapy 1.0 to a Comprehensive Model: A Roadmap for Sequencing and Integrating Systemic, Psychodynamic, and Behavioral Approaches in Couple Therapy. Issue 3 (13th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nielsen, Arthur C.
• Is Part Of: Family process. Volume 56:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2017-06-13
• Subjects: Couple Therapy -- Psychodynamic Couple Therapy -- Behavioral Couple Therapy -- Integrative Couple Therapy; terapia de pareja -- terapia psicodinámica de pareja -- terapia conductual de pareja -- terapia integradora de pareja; 伴侣心理咨询 -- 心理动态伴侣心理咨询 -- 行为伴侣心理咨询 -- 整合伴侣心理咨询; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Families -- Periodicals; 616.8915
• DOI: 10.1111/famp.12300
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-7370

Abstract

Abstract : Couple therapy is a complex undertaking that proceeds best by integrating various schools of thought. Grounded in an in‐depth review of the clinical and research literature, and drawing on the author's 40‐plus years of experience, this paper presents a comprehensive, flexible, and user‐friendly roadmap for conducting couple therapy. It begins by describing "Couple Therapy 1.0, " the basic conjoint couple therapy format in which partners talk to each other with the help of the therapist. After noting the limitations of this model, the paper introduces upgrades derived from systemic, psychodynamic, and behavioral/educational approaches, and shows how to combine and sequence them. The most important upgrade is the early focus on the couple's negative interaction cycle, which causes them pain and impedes their ability to address it. Using a clinical case example, the paper shows how all three approaches can improve couple process as a prerequisite for better problem solving. Additional modules and sequencing choice points are also discussed, including discernment counseling and encouraging positive couple experiences. Abstract : Video Abstract