Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which theoretical framework in couples therapy centers on how unconscious conflicts impact current relationships?
Which theoretical framework in couples therapy centers on how unconscious conflicts impact current relationships?
- Psychodynamic (correct)
- Systemic
- Cognitive Behavioral
- Humanistic/Existential
A therapist working with a couple identifies that their constant bickering about household chores masks deeper feelings of insecurity and lack of appreciation. Which aspect of the therapist's role does this exemplify?
A therapist working with a couple identifies that their constant bickering about household chores masks deeper feelings of insecurity and lack of appreciation. Which aspect of the therapist's role does this exemplify?
- Identifying hidden dynamics (correct)
- Facilitating communication
- Boundary setting
- Maintaining neutrality
In couples therapy, what is the primary focus of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
In couples therapy, what is the primary focus of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
- Challenging maladaptive thought patterns
- Strengthening emotional bonds (correct)
- Identifying conflict styles
- Exploring financial issues
Which assessment tool helps couples identify how they prefer to give and receive affection?
Which assessment tool helps couples identify how they prefer to give and receive affection?
During which stage of couples therapy does the therapist help the couple implement strategies to enhance intimacy and positive interactions?
During which stage of couples therapy does the therapist help the couple implement strategies to enhance intimacy and positive interactions?
What should a therapist prioritize when working with a couple where domestic violence is a factor?
What should a therapist prioritize when working with a couple where domestic violence is a factor?
In couples therapy, what is the purpose of the 'Building Love Maps' component within the Gottman Method?
In couples therapy, what is the purpose of the 'Building Love Maps' component within the Gottman Method?
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'cultural norms and values' in the context of couples therapy?
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'cultural norms and values' in the context of couples therapy?
During couples therapy, a therapist uses session notes, satisfaction surveys, and self-reports from the couple to track progress. What aspect of therapy does this represent?
During couples therapy, a therapist uses session notes, satisfaction surveys, and self-reports from the couple to track progress. What aspect of therapy does this represent?
A couple consistently interrupts and invalidates each other's feelings during discussions. Which of the common issues in couples therapy does this behavior represent?
A couple consistently interrupts and invalidates each other's feelings during discussions. Which of the common issues in couples therapy does this behavior represent?
What is the primary focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in couples therapy?
What is the primary focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in couples therapy?
When dealing with couples facing issues related to gender identity and societal pressures, what should a therapist prioritize?
When dealing with couples facing issues related to gender identity and societal pressures, what should a therapist prioritize?
A therapist is working with a couple and notices one partner consistently defers to the other's opinions and avoids expressing their own needs. Which therapist's role becomes critical?
A therapist is working with a couple and notices one partner consistently defers to the other's opinions and avoids expressing their own needs. Which therapist's role becomes critical?
Which aspect of the Gottman Method focuses on teaching couples techniques for respectfully managing unavoidable disagreements?
Which aspect of the Gottman Method focuses on teaching couples techniques for respectfully managing unavoidable disagreements?
A couple constantly argues about money, but the therapist suspects the real issue is a power imbalance in the relationship. Which aspect of the therapist's role does this illustrate?
A couple constantly argues about money, but the therapist suspects the real issue is a power imbalance in the relationship. Which aspect of the therapist's role does this illustrate?
Which therapeutic model in couples therapy concentrates on how unresolved childhood experiences affect adult relationships?
Which therapeutic model in couples therapy concentrates on how unresolved childhood experiences affect adult relationships?
What is a typical focus of couples therapy?
What is a typical focus of couples therapy?
Which theoretical framework views the couple as part of a larger system, where individual behavior is shaped by broader social interactions?
Which theoretical framework views the couple as part of a larger system, where individual behavior is shaped by broader social interactions?
Which of the following is a conflict resolution strategy that couples might explore in therapy?
Which of the following is a conflict resolution strategy that couples might explore in therapy?
A therapist working with a couple is careful to avoid siding with either partner, always mediating discussions impartially. Which aspect of the therapist's role is the therapist demonstrating?
A therapist working with a couple is careful to avoid siding with either partner, always mediating discussions impartially. Which aspect of the therapist's role is the therapist demonstrating?
What is the purpose of the assessment and goal-setting stage in couples therapy?
What is the purpose of the assessment and goal-setting stage in couples therapy?
Reconciliation may not be possible during divorce counseling, what is the focus of the therapist?
Reconciliation may not be possible during divorce counseling, what is the focus of the therapist?
A couple in therapy is experiencing conflict due to differing parenting styles. Which common issue does this represent?
A couple in therapy is experiencing conflict due to differing parenting styles. Which common issue does this represent?
Early work in couples therapy focused on what therapeutic principle?
Early work in couples therapy focused on what therapeutic principle?
What is one of the most common issues in couples therapy?
What is one of the most common issues in couples therapy?
When is couples therapy not recommended?
When is couples therapy not recommended?
What is the 'Definition and Purpose' of couples therapy?
What is the 'Definition and Purpose' of couples therapy?
Which Gottman Metthod process helps couples develop shared goals, rituals and values?
Which Gottman Metthod process helps couples develop shared goals, rituals and values?
What should couples do for the long term success of their relationship post couples therapy?
What should couples do for the long term success of their relationship post couples therapy?
In the Gottman method, which process gains detailed knowledge of each other's world?
In the Gottman method, which process gains detailed knowledge of each other's world?
What does active listening not entail?
What does active listening not entail?
Which individual is a key figure in attachment theory?
Which individual is a key figure in attachment theory?
Which framework in couples therapy focuses on emotional self-awareness and personal responsibility?
Which framework in couples therapy focuses on emotional self-awareness and personal responsibility?
A therapist helps a couple recognize how past traumatic experiences are affecting their current relationship patterns. Which complex issue is being addressed?
A therapist helps a couple recognize how past traumatic experiences are affecting their current relationship patterns. Which complex issue is being addressed?
A therapist teaches a couple how to establish and maintain healthy personal boundaries within their relationship. What aspect of the therapist's role does this represent?
A therapist teaches a couple how to establish and maintain healthy personal boundaries within their relationship. What aspect of the therapist's role does this represent?
If one or both partners have a mental health or substance use disorder, the therapiest might work in cooridnation with what?
If one or both partners have a mental health or substance use disorder, the therapiest might work in cooridnation with what?
What does CPQ assess?
What does CPQ assess?
Which of the following examples is a cultural consideration a therapist should be aware of?
Which of the following examples is a cultural consideration a therapist should be aware of?
Flashcards
Couples Therapy
Couples Therapy
A type of psychotherapy designed to help couples understand and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
Historical Context of Couples Therapy
Historical Context of Couples Therapy
Early work in couples therapy focused on psychoanalytic principles and family therapy models.
Psychodynamic Framework
Psychodynamic Framework
Focuses on unresolved internal conflicts and how they affect present relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral Framework
Cognitive Behavioral Framework
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Humanistic/Existential Framework
Humanistic/Existential Framework
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Systemic Framework
Systemic Framework
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Communication Problems
Communication Problems
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Conflict Resolution Strategies
Conflict Resolution Strategies
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Infidelity and Trust
Infidelity and Trust
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Financial Conflicts
Financial Conflicts
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Parenting Disagreements
Parenting Disagreements
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Maintaining Neutrality
Maintaining Neutrality
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Identifying Hidden Dynamics
Identifying Hidden Dynamics
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Facilitating Communication
Facilitating Communication
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Boundary Setting
Boundary Setting
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Gottman Method
Gottman Method
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Building Love Maps
Building Love Maps
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Managing Conflict
Managing Conflict
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Creating Shared Meaning
Creating Shared Meaning
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy
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Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
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Gottman Relationship Checkup
Gottman Relationship Checkup
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Communication Pattern Questionnaire (CPQ)
Communication Pattern Questionnaire (CPQ)
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Five Love Languages Quiz
Five Love Languages Quiz
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Assessment and Goal Setting
Assessment and Goal Setting
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Conflict Resolution Phase
Conflict Resolution Phase
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Building Positive Interaction
Building Positive Interaction
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Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
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Trauma in Relationships
Trauma in Relationships
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Mental Health and Addiction
Mental Health and Addiction
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Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
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Divorce Counseling
Divorce Counseling
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Cultural Norms and Values
Cultural Norms and Values
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Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Identity
Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Identity
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Tracking Progress
Tracking Progress
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Long-term Success
Long-term Success
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Study Notes
Introduction to Couples Therapy
- Couples therapy aims to help couples resolve conflict and improve their relationship
- Couples therapy improves communication, enhances emotional connection, and addresses conflicts
Historical Context
- Early approaches were based on psychoanalytic principles
- Later approaches were developed further with family therapy models
- John Bowlby contributed attachment theory
- John Gottman contributed relationship dynamics
Theoretical Frameworks
- Psychodynamic framework addresses unresolved internal conflicts affecting present relationships
- Cognitive Behavioral framework works to identify and change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors
- Humanistic/Existential framework puts importance on emotional self-awareness and personal responsibility
- Systemic framework considers the couple part of a larger system, where individual behavior is shaped by family and social dynamics
Common Issues in Couples Therapy
- Communication problems are one of the most common
- "I" statements, and active listening are important tools for resolving conflict
- Conflict resolution includes identifying conflict styles like avoidance, confrontation, or compromise
- Intimacy and sexual issues addressed include mismatched sexual drives, unresolved sexual trauma and exploring emotional intimacy concerns
- Infidelity and trust, especially rebuilding trust and emotional safety
- Financial conflicts, such as issues with budgeting and unequal contributions, lead to stress
- Parenting disagreements may involve differing parenting styles or views
Role of the Therapist
- Therapists maintain neutrality and mediate impartially
- Therapists identify hidden dynamics, because the surface issue might not be the core problem
- Therapists facilitate communication so couples better understand each other's perspectives and emotional needs
- Therapists teach boundary setting, especially if codependency is a problem in the relationship
Therapeutic Models in Couples Therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) strengthens emotional bonds by addressing attachment insecurities
- The goal of EFT is secure, loving exchanges replacing rigid negative patterns of interaction
- The Gottman Method is based on over 40 years of research
- Building Love Maps involves helping partners gain detailed knowledge of each other's world
- Managing conflict involves teaching techniques to handle inevitable conflicts respectfully and constructively
- Creating shared meaning involves developing shared goals, rituals, and values
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies negative thoughts (cognitive distortions) contributing to relationship problems
- Imago Relationship Therapy helps couples heal and grow together, focusing on how unresolved childhood wounds affect adult relationships and understanding their “imago”
Assessment Tools in Couples Therapy
- Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) measures the quality and satisfaction in a relationship
- Gottman Relationship Checkup uses an online tool to assess a couple's strengths and challenges
- Communication Pattern Questionnaire (CPQ) assesses communication patterns that predict future problems
- Five Love Languages Quiz identifies how couples best receive and express love
Stages of Therapy
- Assessment and Goal Setting takes place when the therapist conducts an assessment of the couple's history and backgrounds and sets goals
- Conflict Resolution Phase involves resolving ongoing conflicts with therapist-provided tools and mediation
- Building Positive Interaction occurs when the therapist helps couples focus on improving intimacy once conflict resolution strategies are established
- Maintenance and Relapse Prevention involves building skills to maintain long-term relationship improvements and booster sessions
Complex Issues In Therapy
- Trauma in Relationships: Counselors should know that many couples have underlying trauma which affects their behavior in relationships
- Mental Health and Addiction: Counselors may have to work with individual therapists or addiction specialists if one or both people have mental health issues
- Domestic Violence: The focus is on safety first in these situations, and the counselor may have to refer the couple elsewhere
- Divorce Counseling: Therapists help couples work to process the end of the relationship and focus on co-parenting if need be
Cultural Considerations in Couples Therapy
- Therapists must be culturally sensitive because different cultural backgrounds influence relationship dynamics, gender roles, and expectations
- LGBTQ+ couples may have additional stressors in the relationship due to issues around sexual orientation, gender identity, and societal pressures
Outcome Measures and Follow-Up
- Therapists track progress with session notes, outcome measures and self-reports
- Long-term Success depends on continuing work after therapy with long-term goals in mind
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