Winning Together: In-Session Change with Chronically Conflictual Couples

Abstract

Experiences of change from the perspective of both chronically conflictual couples and their therapist has not been explored, thus inhibiting current understanding of what is important for in-session change. The present study examines couple and therapist experiences of therapy for chronically conflictual couples. Sixteen interviews from four couples (n = 8) and their therapists (n = 4) were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological inquiry. Results highlight environmental, couple, and therapist factors that are integral to experiencing change in session. Results show the importance of therapists facilitating intentional, non-conflictual, and connecting couple interactions. We discuss clinical implications of the findings.