Marital crisis and the trigenerational context: A model of short-term therapy

Abstract

This article demonstrates a therapeutic technique used with dysfunctional couples or couples undergoing a divorce crisis which systematically incorporates both families of origin (FOS) in the treatment. The theoretical basis consists in seeing the perturbances of the conjugal couple as coming from a trigenerational context consisting of the confluence of both FOS with their set style of relating. The therapeutic aim is the definition of the relationship within the nuclear family system (NFS) and both FOSs. The technique consists of five scheduled sessions that incorporate alternatively both FOSs without the presence of the other spouse. The style of the intervention owes much to contributions of the systemic school of family therapy, especially those of strategic therapy and the Milan school. Ad hoc modifications are made for work with the FOSs.