Bridging theory and practice: A comparative analysis of integrative behavioral couple therapy and cognitive behavioral couple therapy

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to provide behaviorally and cognitive behaviorally oriented couples' therapists with a comparison of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT) that highlights similarities and differences between these two therapeutic approaches to treating marital discord. Both approaches derive from traditional behavioral marital therapy (BMT) but have emphasized emotional and cognitive factors more so than BMT. IBCT's contextual, or radical behavioral, viewpoint has translated to interventions that aim to establish a dyadic context supporting acceptance, empathy, and understanding through both acceptance and behavior change strategies. Rooted in social cognitive theory, CBMT also aims to increase acceptance, empathy, and understanding, but does so primarily through change-based interventions that target dysfunctional cognitive, behavioral, and affective responses and processes. It is our contention that understanding the relationship between the underlying theories and practices of these empirically supported approaches may improve their effective dissemination and use within the practice community.