Couple Therapy Approach Research Articles

The effectiveness of an Islamic couple therapy approach to reducing marital envy and enhancing psychological well-being in distressed Muslim couples.

The effectiveness of an Islamic couple therapy approach to reducing marital envy and enhancing psychological well-being in distressed Muslim couples.

The effectiveness of couple therapy based on schema and ACT on marital boredom and emotion regulation in nurses with marital conflicts

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of schema-based couple therapy approach and act on marital boredom, emotion regulation in nurses with marital conflicts. Method: The present research method is experimental. The research design is quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design and one-month follow-up with the control group. The statistical population included all nurses serving in Imam Sajjad Government Hospital in Ramsar in 2020. Among them, 30 couples (90 people) were selected by available non-random sampling method and were replaced in the experimental group (couple therapy based on schema and act) and a control group by simple random sampling (15 couples in each group). Then, 10 90-minute sessions (2 sessions per week) of schema and act-based couple therapy (Leo and McKee, 2017) were performed in experimental groups. Data were collected using the Sanai and Barati Marital Conflict Questionnaire (2000), the Pines Marital Boredom Questionnaire (1996) and the Gross and John Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2003). Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that schema-based couple therapy based on marital boredom (P<0.001, F=13.53) and emotion regulation (P<0.001, F=49.86) in nurses with Marital conflicts are effective. Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of couple therapy based on schema and act in nurses with marital conflicts, it is recommended that therapists use this therapeutic and educational approach.

The effectiveness of emotion-oriented couple therapy on marital burnout and resilience of young couples

Aim: Due to the lack of experience and resilience in marital conflicts, young couples are more exposed to marital heartbreak and as a result tend to divorce. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of emotion-focused couple therapy on marital burnout and resilience of young couples. Methods: A quasi-experimental research method was used with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. 30 couples (30 men and 30 women) were selected from the statistical population of young couples who referred to family counseling centers in the 1st district of Tehran using the available sampling method and were replaced in two experimental and control groups using a random method. The research tools were marital burnout (Pines, 1996), resilience (Connor & Davidson, 2003). The research findings were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and analysis of variance with repeated measurements. Results: The results showed that emotional couple therapy has a significant and stable effect on reducing marital boredom and increasing resilience of young couples (p<0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, in order to improve marital burnout and resilience of young couples, it is suggested to use the emotion-oriented couple therapy approach.

Effectiveness of Integrated Psychological Counseling With Couple Therapy Approach on Quality of Life of Infertile Women

Introduction: Infertility has biological and psychological effects on various aspects of the infertile couple's life. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of integrated psychological counseling with a couple therapy approach on the quality of life of infertile women. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 60 couples (30 couples in the intervention and 30 in the control group) referred to Infertility Center in Kerman City, Iran, from October to December 2018. They were assigned to intervention and control groups with available sampling and block allocation method. The intervention group received six group counseling sessions. The subjects completed the FertiQoL questionnaire before and after the intervention. It has 24 items specific to infertility that cover four subscales of the QoL )emotional, mind-body, relational, and social(. Data analysis was conducted by paired t test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The mean ± SD ages of the participants were 33.25 ± 5.89 and 33.53 ± 5.46 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Results showed significant differences between the mean ± SD of the mind-body subscale of the intervention group (88.5 ± 6.39) and that of the control group (69 ±12.24), between the social subscale of the intervention group (78± 6.34) compared to that of the control group (60.5 ± 12.27), and between emotional subscale of the intervention group (73.75 ±6.71) compared to that of the control group (54.5 ± 12.29) at the post-test (P =0.001). However, no significant change was seen in the relational subscale of intervention (52.25 ± 6.25) compared to the control group (57.25 ± 12.25) (P= 0.060). Results showed a significantly higher FertiQoL total score for the intervention group (70.56±6.49) compared to the control group (57.76±12.26) at the post-test (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that integrated psychological counseling could improve the quality of life among infertile women. Therefore, it can lead to more satisfaction and cooperation in infertility treatment.

The effectiveness of Gutman couple therapy on improving the quality of life and reducing marital burnout

Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of Gutman couples therapy on improving the quality of life and reducing marital burnout in couples. Method: The current research was applied and the research method was a semi-experimental one with a pre-test, post-test and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all couples who referred to the counseling centers of Alborz province and its regions in 2019, from among the 14 couples available and selected by sampling method. In two experimental groups (Gutman couple therapy) and the control group were randomly replaced (7 couples in each group). Gutman couple therapy (2008) was conducted during 15 sessions of 90 minutes and the control group did not receive training. The follow-up period was implemented two months after the end of the sessions. The data was obtained through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (1996) and Pines Marital Burnout (1996). Results: The results showed that Gutman's cognitive-systemic couple therapy is effective in improving the quality of life (F=8.50, P=0.001) and reducing marital burnout (F=11.22, P=0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, it can be said that Guttman's cognitive-systemic couple therapy approach is effective in improving marital quality and reducing marital exhaustion of couples.

The Effectiveness of Teaching Emotion Management Strategies Based on the Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy Approach in Improving Family Functioning and Marital Satisfaction

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of teaching emotion management strategies based on the emotionally-focused couple therapy approach in improving family functioning and marital satisfaction. Methods: The research was semi-experimental and had a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a two-month follow-up. Its statistical population consisted of 47 conflicting couples who visited counseling centers in Tehran in 2021. After screening by the McMaster Model of Family Functioning (1950) and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS) (1998), 32 couples were selected by the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to the experimental group (16 couples) and the control group (16 couples). The experimental group received the intervention of emotion management strategies based on Johnson's Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) (2004) approach for eight 90-minute sessions, but the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were analyzed using the repeated-measures mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results indicated the effect of the emotion management strategies intervention based on the emotionally-focused couple therapy approach on the family functioning score (F=15.78, P=0.001) and marital satisfaction (F=15.16, P=0.001), and the stability of this effect was at the follow-up stage. Conclusion: The research results suggested evidence that the emotion management strategies intervention based on the emotionally-focused couple therapy approach was a suitable method to increase marital satisfaction and improve family functioning in couples with marital conflict.

Effectiveness of Self Regulation-Attachment Couple Therapy on Marital Commitment and Sexual Function of Women with Extramarital Affair

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of self regulation-attachment couple therapy on improving marital commitment and sexual function in women with extra-marital affair. Methods: Semi-experimental research method with pre/post-test and control group including follow-up was used. The statistical population included women with extramarital affair referred to the counseling center for women in the city of Sanandaj, Iran. Using available sampling method, 30 subjects were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (15 participants each). Marital Commitment Questionnaire (Adams, Jones, 1997) and Women's Sexual Function Questionnaire (Rosen, Grandon, Myers, Hutty, 2004) were used. The intervention group received self regulation-attachment couple therapy through 8 ninety-minute sessions on a weekly basis. Data was analyzed using mixed analysis of variance. Findings: Results showed that self regulation-attachment couple therapy programs significantly improved the marital commitment and sexual function. Follow-up analyses showed that these results remained stable after three months (P<0/001). Conclusion: self regulation-attachment couple therapy approach by helping women achieve greater adjustment in relationship, dialogue and negotiation, increasing the ability to interact and improve the marital commitment and sexual function in women with extramarital affair. Discussions: The findings of the present study show that studying counseling and internship in this field has influenced students’ views of marriage and marital relationships in various ways.

Therapeutic Intervention for Couples Experiencing Infertility: An Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Approach

The psychological and societal intersectionalities of infertility may give way to a complicated pattern of grief, anxiety, depression, and trauma for couples. Current literature on specific interventions for mixed gender couples undergoing infertility treatments notes significant improvements for couples who enact meaning-based coping mechanisms and who have more effective dyadic communication. Emotionally focused couples therapy provides an avenue to engage meaning-based coping strategies proposed by current research while also expressing the partners’ unique emotional experiences through their own stories. This article presents a specific, emotionally focused counseling approach for couples experiencing infertility; it also lists general implications for practice and makes recommendations for future research.

A response to "My questions about emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) and a few answers" by Anne Power

This is a response to Anne Power's article which explores the pros and cons of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) versus psychodynamic, systemic, couple therapy. It also looks at the role of attachment theory with working with the emotionally focused couple therapy approach.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Spirituality

Emotionally focused therapy was created as a couples therapy approach and has become a frequently used therapeutic approach these days. This approach, theoretically based on the understanding that the attachment relationship observed between mother and child characterized by proximity seeking and separation anxiety resembles the relationship observed between couples, aims to turn unhealthy attachment relationships between couples into healthy ones. This process is realized by revealing the implicit and hidden emotions that cause problem situations to occur and gaining awareness about these emotions. Different studies have shown spirituality to be a major factor both in forming and solving problem situations in therapy for couples who care about spiritual values. In particular, the meanings couples who attach importance to religious values attribute to marriage ​​and the quality of the relations developed within this meaning can be handled within the framework of emotionally focused couples therapy. The purpose of this article is to explain how the therapy process proceeds when emotionally focused couples therapy is combined with spiritual values and to show which methods and techniques are used in the light of sample cases. In addition, the article aims to raise awareness on how to use this therapy approach, as it can be combined with Islamic elements, and investigates how to set an example in this regard. This study, which briefly introduces emotionally focused couples therapy, provides short examples of how to perform interventions while working with couples who seek counseling using religious or spiritual matters.

Treatment of Low Sexual Desire or Frequency Using a Sexual Enhancement Group Couples Therapy Approach

BackgroundSexual desire or frequency problems are exceedingly common, but treatment of them has been less than effective. AimThe goal of this study was to develop a cost-effective, accessible intervention to deal with sexual desire or frequency problems, including sexual desire discrepancy, by enhancing the quality of couples’ erotic intimacy. Methods45 couples (38 heterosexual and 7 same-sex couples) distressed by sexual desire or frequency problems were seen in a 16-hour, group couples therapy intervention. Participants completed the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) at pretest, posttest, and at 6-month follow-up. OutcomesThe NSSS plus 3 additional items at pretest, posttest, and at 6-month follow-up and patients’ written feedback. ResultsStatistically significant differences were found between pre-tests and post-tests in satisfaction with intensity of sexual arousal; creativity; frequency; sexual functioning; partner's sexual availability; partner's initiation of sexual activity; emotional opening up during sex; positive sexual reactions to the partner; communication of sexual wishes, preferences and desires; and balance between giving and receiving during sex. The largest improvement and effect sizes were found in overall satisfaction with one's sex life from pre-test to post-test and 6-month follow-up. Clinical ImplicationsLow sexual desire or frequency problems can be treated effectively by enhancing the quality of the couple's erotic connection, thereby creating desirable sex. Strengths & LimitationsThe strengths include the combination of quantitative and qualitative data. Limitations included the small number of same-sex couples. ConclusionSexual enhancement group couples therapy provides an effective, accessible, and affordable approach to low desire or frequency complaints in distressed couples.Kleinplatz PJ, Charest M, Paradis N, et al. Treatment of Low Sexual Desire or Frequency Using a Sexual Enhancement Group Couples Therapy Approach. J Sex Med 2020;17:1288–1296.

The potent cocktail of love, intimacy, sex, and power: an assessment pyramid for couples therapy

An ordered assessment is important in couple therapy where tensions may be high as each partner ensures that the couple therapist understands his or her point of view. Drawing on the literature related to couple therapy, a six-level assessment pyramid is proposed consisting of behavior, emotion, meaning, beliefs, affect, and self. The pyramid has four faces, each of which is linked to the literature on reasons for couple dissatisfaction and divorce. These four faces or themes around which the process is focused are love, intimacy, sex, and power. The pyramid relates to basic common couple complaints but may require additional expert knowledge for complex multiproblem cases. Although the pyramid may be used for an integrative couple therapy approach, therapists do not need to integrate all six levels in their assessment. The pyramid is useful for individual therapists who would like to work with couples, as well as therapists who also have some familiarity with one or more couple therapy approaches who wish to incorporate other models. A case study is presented to illustrate a couple assessment.

Facilitators and Barriers in Effective Clinical Practice with Postdeployed Military Couples and Families

Although many military couples navigate the stressors and rewards of deployment without difficulty, others contend with “signature injuries,” including post-traumatic stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder, and co-occurring conditions of depression, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence. Research data reveal that partners and children suffer the effects associated with deployment cycle stressors as well. Although a pressing need exists to provide couple and family behavioral health care, there is a paucity of evaluation research. More recently, such efforts have been undertaken to explore the efficacy of innovative couple and family therapy practice models. In this article, standards for high-quality behavioral health care are discussed within the framework of the Quality Chasm reports published by the Institute of Medicine, while barriers and facilitators are addressed from the perspectives published by the Rand Corporation (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008). A clinical vignette depicts the range of structural, financial, personal and social barriers to accessing high-quality care. Finally, two different courses of treatment with a Latino post-deployed Operation Iraqi Freedom Army Reservist couple demonstrate the usefulness of a phase-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive couple therapy approach that facilitates progress in meeting goals and overcoming barriers to accessing high-quality care.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Ein systemisch-bindungstheoretisches Paartherapiekonzept

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a systemic integrative couple therapy approach which integrates the Humanistic School of Carl Rogers (1951), the Gestalt Therapy of Fritz Perls (1951) together with the systemic theories and specifically the structural therapy of Salvador Minuchin. At it's center is the attachment theory of J. Bowlby (1988) which emphasizes the propensity for human beings to make and sustain intimate emotional bonds with significant others. Attachment theory is one of the most promising theories of adult love relationships. EFT originated in Canada in the 1980's (www.eft.ca) and is a short term couple therapy model of (average) 12-20 sessions. It has a didactic methodology divided into three Phases: 1) de-escalation from conflict and identifying the interaction cycle, reframing the problem; 2) changing interactional positions: consolidating and integrating new forms of behavior. The name EFT was an attempt to focus on a central element that was missing in other approaches in the area of couple therapy, as well as, a statement about the value and the significance of emotions. This article includes a discussion of: the theoretical background of the EFT, key principles with respect to couple relations, clinical applications and predictors of success.

Enhancing behavioral couple therapy: Addressing the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity

The strengths and weaknesses of behavioral couple therapy (BCT) are well documented and disseminated, and this couple therapy approach continues to evolve. Newer behaviorally based approaches share an openness to integration and can enhance the ability of BCT to address three key process-related variables: the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity. Similarly, some nonbehavioral techniques fit the format of typical BCT sessions and can be integrated into a BCT framework; they can facilitate the couple's ability to benefit from BCT, and function to accomplish the same goals. Examples of interrelated usage of these techniques with a case example and relevant citations provide practical ways to enhance the ability of BCT to address the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity throughout treatment.

Toward a mini-theory of the blamer softening event: tracking the moment-by-moment process.

In this article we present the results of a discovery-oriented task analysis research study identifying specific therapist behaviors that facilitate softening events in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples. Therapy sessions conducted by an expert EFT therapist were examined. Six therapist content theme shifts were identified and specific interventions were delineated within each using an EFT coding scheme (EFT-CS) created for this study. This study extends the theoretical understanding of the softening process--a key change event in an empirically validated couples therapy approach--and provides a detailed clinical map for the training of therapists.

Transforming the legacies of childhood trauma in couple therapy: The biopsychosocial assessment as compass and anchor

This paper explicates a brief overview of a synthetic couple therapy practice model along with a detailed account of the institutional, interactional, and intrapersonal factors that are relevant in completing a thorough bio‐psychosocial assessment. It is based on a chapter expected to be published by Columbia University Press in an upcoming book titled Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors. The text presents a practice model that demonstrates why a couple therapy approach may be especially useful for survivors of childhood trauma. To provide a framework for this complex couple therapy practice model, we review the basis for a synthetic multi‐theoretical approach, the cultural constructs of “trauma,” the role of resilience, and the problematic aftereffects for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Following the description of each treatment phase of the couple therapy practice model, an outline for a biopsychosocial assessment is then introduced. At that point, specific institutional, interactional, and intrapersonal factors are reviewed and illuminated with specific clinical vignettes.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Bisexual Couples: Expanding the Realms of Therapy

Abstract Bisexuals encounter bias and discrimination in many facets of their lives. Before therapists can adequately provide services for bisexuals, they must become acquainted with the specific strengths and plights of bisexuals. Because of statistics that reveal a significant and growing population of bisexuals, more specifically the married bisexual, a cognitive-behavioral couples therapy approach focused on bisexuals is examined. This therapeutic approach allows the therapist to deal with the behaviors, cognitions, and emotions specific to a bisexual couple. Communication training, emotional expressiveness training, and cognitive restructuring are proposed interventions that focus on the difficulties encountered in bisexual relationships. Based on the needs of bisexual couples, cognitive-behavioral couples therapy proves to be an applicable approach to therapy.

Structural couple therapy in the treatment of inhibited sexual drive

Abstract This paper presents a study of a structural couple therapy approach to the treatment of inhibited sexual desire (ISD). ISD is first conceptualized as a relational phenomenon that may be most effectively treated in a couple context. Structural couple therapy is advanced and applied to the treatment of a clinical sample of couples presenting with ISD. Results of the study suggest that a structural couple therapy approach to ISD is effective in reducing symptoms of the sexual disorder and in increasing couple satisfaction.

Identifying and treating the sexual repercussions of incest: a couples therapy approach.

Given the significant number of adults who were sexually victimized as children and the serious negative effects that sexual abuse can have on sexual functioning, clinicians need to be prepared to recognize and treat the intimacy concerns of adult incest survivors. Broadening the definition of incest to include nontouch sexual abuse, this paper describes types of sexual problems commonly expressed by survivors, such as sexual dysfunction, fear of sex, conditioned negative reactions to sex, flashbacks to the abuse, and mind-body dissociation. The intimate partner of the survivor is viewed as a secondary victim of the incest, who often displays a unique set of sexual and emotional concerns as well. A four-stage couples therapy approach is presented which includes identifying the problem, working together on incest resolution, changing old sexual intimacy patterns, and creating positive sexual experiences. This model is a dynamic combination of incest resolution therapy, sex therapy, and couples therapy. Therapeutic dilemmas and considerations are discussed and recommendations given for increasing the effectiveness of therapy. An argument is made as to why a couples therapy approach is the preferred method of treatment.