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We examined the trends of quantitative research over the past 10 years in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT). Specifically, within the JMFT, we investigated the types and trends of research design and statistical analysis within the quantitative research that was published in JMFT from 2005 to 2014. We found that while the amount of peer-reviewed articles have increased over time, the percentage of quantitative research has remained constant. We discussed the types and trends of statistical analysis and the implications for clinical work and training programs in the field of marriage and family therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of couple therapy find large improvements in couple adjustment, but published evaluations of the effectiveness of couple therapy in routine practice find only small-to-moderate effects. The current study analyzes possible explanations for the research-efficacy to practice-effectiveness gap and offers suggestions for enhancing couple therapy effectiveness. Major recommendations are that therapists should clarify whether couples' therapy goal is to clarify commitment to the relationship or to improve the relationship; use standardized assessment of the individual partners and the relationship; and use systematic monitoring of therapy progress and the therapeutic alliance. It is also possible that the greater use of evidence-based therapies when treating couple relationship distress could enhance couple therapy outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples who request conjoint treatment often demonstrate relationship problems that are exacerbated by emotional reactivity. Neurobiology research has clarified the process of emotional dysregulation, and the benefit of mindful interventions in managing and preventing hyperarousal. This paper examines the mechanics of emotional dysregulation and presents a case example that demonstrates how breathing and staying in the moment were used to help de-escalate an agitated couple. Mindful interventions can be used to help couples tolerate, understand, and manage emotional states that can otherwise become destructive. These techniques are particularly useful with volatile couples, and can be used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involvement of the family members in the therapeutic interventions for the benefit of the client has been traditionally part of various social work interventions. Psychiatric social workers (PSWs) in the family psychiatry centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) conceptualise the case/problem referred to the unit as the resultant of the maladaptive family relationships and interactions. Interventions are carried out on the basis of standard procedures such as a comprehensive family assessment, framing a circular hypothesis, and a series of problem-solving initiatives directed at bringing about changes in the maladaptive family functioning. Apart from the therapeutic clinical services, preventive and promotive services are also done by PSWs at the centre. PSWs do teaching, trainings and research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study we used a two-step cluster analytic approach to identify personality typologies for conservative Christians seen in intensive marital therapy (N = 207). Sixteen Personality Factor Fifth Edition results revealed significant personality differences based on gender as well as five significantly different personality clusters: (1) abstract, deferential, trusting, and tolerates disorder; (2) reactive and deferential; (3) reserved, abstract, serious, grounded, traditional, and self-reliant; (4) grounded; and (5) socially bold, abstracted, forthright, and open to change. Conclusions are drawn related to how these results compare with other personality studies in the literature and how these differing personality types might fit together in Christian marriage dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doctoral education is greatly impacted by context, and the large majority of marital and family therapy (MFT) doctoral programs are PhD programs in research-focused universities. I believe their primary mission is to equip students to become scientist–practitioners and do original research that will advance the science of the discipline, whereas the mission of the typical master’s program is to produce strong practitioners who are research informed. It is the emphasis on the scientific method, not the content specialty area, that should be the hallmark of PhD programs in research-focused contexts. I describe metrics for success that include not only research productivity but also the development of a supportive, open, flexible, and generous program culture. The research mission of these programs has been only modestly helped by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education process and the programs are largely not doing the programmatic intervention research that the field needs. As the universities that house these programs are also “raising the bar,” the long-term viability of the programs themselves will likely hinge on success in this arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doctoral education in marital and family therapy (MFT) plays a crucial role in the future of the field. In this article, I write about the purposes, diversities, and futures of MFT doctoral education from the perspective of having hired 18 full-time MFT faculty over the last 13 years. I argue that the field needs well-rounded doctoral-level academics and clinicians who have a solid understanding of the foundations of the field and have mastery around theory, clinical practice, and scholarship in order to advance the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity is an often cited problem for couples seeking therapy, but the research literature to date is very limited on couple therapy outcomes when infidelity is a problem. The current study is a secondary analysis of a community-based sample of couple therapy in Germany and Austria. Outcomes for 145 couples who reported infidelity as a problem in their relationship were compared with 385 couples who sought therapy for other reasons. Analyses based on hierarchical linear modeling revealed that infidelity couples were significantly more distressed and reported more depressive symptoms at the start of therapy but continued improving through the end of therapy and to 6 months posttherapy. At the follow-up assessment, infidelity couples were not statistically distinguishable from non-infidelity couples, replicating previous research. Sexual dissatisfaction did not depend on infidelity status. Although there was substantial missing data, sensitivity analyses suggested that the primary findings were not due to missing data. The current findings based on a large community sample replicated previous work from an efficacy trial and show generally optimistic results for couples in which there has been an affair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do persons diagnosed as depressed and their spouses evaluate couple therapy for depression? This study aimed at a collaborative evaluation of therapeutic processes with clients and therapists. Co-research interviews (Andersen, 1997) were conducted with 25 couples in the presence of their therapists after termination of systemic couple therapy with the focus on generating dialogues. The answers were analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology. In this paper, the clients' answers to the following questions are presented: What was helpful in couple therapy? What was not helpful? What could have been done differently? The clients found the following helpful: the therapists' actions, their way of relating to the clients, and their general qualities; talking in therapy; and the participation of the spouse. Some non-helpful factors were mentioned: difficulties in talking in the therapy, problems in collaborating with the therapists, ineffectiveness of the therapy, and confusion concerning couple therapy. The results are discussed, with a particular focus on how to develop couple therapeutic work in mental health outpatient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity is one of the most common and the most difficult problems to treat in couples therapy. In this article, the authors present an integrative approach to treating infidelity based on the intersystems approach developed by Weeks. The approach integrates theory and techniques from both individual and systemic psychotherapy and addresses the individual, relational, and intergenerational factors associated with infidelity. The treatment approach reflects the authors' view of infidelity as a systemic, intimacy-based problem. Treatment includes five interrelated phases: (a) crisis management and assessment, (b) systemic considerations, (c) facilitating forgiveness, (d) treating factors that contribute to infidelity, and (e) promoting intimacy through communication. Of particular importance is the development of unifying factors that facilitate healing, unite couples, and reduce their vulnerability to future betrayals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how counselors can use de Bono's Six Thinking Hats problem-solving technique in their work with couples. Part I of the article focuses on an introduction to the technique, including a theoretical rationale and supporting research. Following a detailed description of the process of using the model as a counseling technique with couples in Part 2, a case study is featured in Part 3. A brief review of the technique and its advantages and limitations in couple counseling concludes the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who present for couple therapy may not be equally prepared to change. To explore the impact of readiness to change in couple therapy, this study examined the relationship between individual stage of change, dropout, and therapy outcomes in a sample of 469 individuals from 290 couples in marital therapy. Findings indicated that women were more distressed and more motivated to change than men, and that men were more variable in terms of readiness to change. Individual stage of change was unrelated to dropout or outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples who present for therapy with one person having borderline personality disorder (BPD) are a challenge for even the most seasoned couples counselor. Some have argued that couples counseling should not be attempted until the person diagnosed with BPD has completed successful individual treatment. However, there is a growing body of research addressing effective marital therapy with particularly difficult couples and also a research-based approach, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), used to work with borderline personality disorder. Linehan's DBT and Gottman's method for couples therapy form the foundation for the work conducted with these couples. A case study illustrates how these models are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples often present for counseling as a last resort. As relationships in crisis may not last it is important that treatment be time-effective. Solution-based therapies have been described as brief and time-effective and applied effectively to working with couples. This article presents a case example demonstrating the application of a solution-based approach to therapy with a married African-American couple entering therapy to resolve their relationship difficulties that lead to the initiation of divorce proceedings. The processes of reducing blame and conflict, creating hope and solution building utilizing solution-based interventions are discussed, as well as the treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity can have a devastating effect on marriages and individuals. This qualitative study explores the process of healing from infidelity and therapist behaviors that facilitate this process. In-depth client interviews suggest that healing occurs as couples pass through a seven-step process: ( 1 ) exploration of emotions and thoughts surrounding the infidelity, (2) expression of these to their partner, (3) development of empathy, (4) softening of emotions, (5) acceptance of personal responsibility and reduction of blame, (6) establishment of accountability, and (7) restoration of trust. While initially these factors occur sequentially, the process gradually becomes non-linear. Therapist behaviors which facilitate healing from infidelity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editor's Note: On May 18, 2007, the Ackerman Institute for the Family and the Hunter School of Social Work held a historic conference in honor of the multidecade contributions to family therapy theory and practice of Peggy Papp and Olga Silverstein. 1 As chair of this notable event, I opened the conference with a retrospective of the work of Papp and Silverstein, placing their ideas in the larger context of our field. My remarks follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the link between the major theoretical tenets of Emotionally Focused Therapy (Johnson, 1996) and Individual Psychology (Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1956) in the practice of couples therapy. The two theories are similar in many theoretical and practical ways. These areas of convergence and collaboration are outlined, as are the unique contributions that each approach has to offer practitioners of the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on counseling and therapeutic interventions related to working with a couple who recreates sibling relationships in their marriage. The couple has been married for two years and before marriage they agreed to have children. The problem came when the husband had a change of mind in wanting to have children. The counselor collected information about their families of origin and found that the couple experienced sibling rivalry during childhood and that their early memories described the competition, pain, unfairness, and mistrust they were now experiencing in their marriage.

The authors review Individual Psychology and couples counseling. They discuss the use of metaphors as a practical way for couples and counselors to understand each other better. Four specific metaphors are described: (a) the As and Hs of Relationships, (b) Relationship as a Three-legged Sack Race, (c) Walls and Windows, and (d) Cracking the Shell. A case study demonstrating use of these metaphors is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual Psychology has made contributions to many counseling, therapeutic, and educational settings. Marriage education is a viable but often overlooked field. The author presents a structured group or couple experience based in the psychology of Alfred Adler and those who continue this work. Weekly meetings of couples and couples groups are practical education applications of Individual Psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author proposes a method for integrating the Crucial Cs (Lew & Bettner, 1996) into couples counseling, which intervene in the games couples play and help couples move toward Adler's (1936/1971) dyad of perfect love. Couples counselors can use lifestyle assessment to help individuals understand how their early relationships were influenced by the Crucial Cs and how the Cs influence the mistaken goals of misbehavior that disrupt their current relationship. Partners can work to replace mistaken beliefs and strategies in an attempt to meet each other's Crucial Cs, alter the games they play, and attain a closer love dyad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of different approaches to premarital counseling have been developed to better prepare couples for marriage. A variety of these of approaches will be described here, including those used in church-settings, where the majority of premarital counseling is performed. A brief summary of the premarital counseling research will also be presented, including what research suggests are important ingredients to designing effective premarital counseling approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partners trying to decide whether to continue or end their marriage rely on the expertise of therapists to help them evaluate their alternatives. Research on what predicts divorce and what consequences divorce has for parents and children is reviewed so therapists are informed in the guidance they give clients. Attention is given to the environmental context of marriage as well as its interior quality. Implications for therapists doing divorce therapy in the context of a "pro-marriage" climate are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement families experience a variety of both commonplace and unique stressors. This article discusses the main forms of police family stresses and crises and offers a range of practical solutions that family therapists can use to help these families cope and thrive. Especially with this kind of population, the emphasis is on both direct clinical services and a coaching-style, self-empowerment model that therapists can productively utilize in helping officers and their families to help themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As research has demonstrated the effectiveness of premarital therapy; there has been an increase in participation and often a requirement for a couple to participate in premarital therapy. However, mandated treatment in general has not shown the same efficacy as voluntary involvement in therapy. Participants were those who had been married within a Presbyterian Church in the past five years and received mandated premarital therapy. Participants' initial willingness to participate in mandated premarital therapy was predictive of overall satisfaction in premarital therapy and interest in attending future therapy sessions; however, it was not predictive of overall marital adjustment. Premarital therapy implications are discussed and suggestions are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To deepen our understanding of the therapeutic alliance in conjoint treatment, we interviewed clients in four families about their individual, private experience of the alliance after an early session. These qualitative data were triangulated with family members' scores on Pinsof's Family Therapy Alliance Scale-Revised and observational ratings of their behavior on the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances. This discovery-oriented investigation focused on three interrelated aspects of the alliance: the family's shared sense of purpose about the needs, goals, and value of therapy (i.e., within-system alliance), split alliances with the therapist, and felt sense of safety within the therapeutic context. Results were highly consistent across the three perspectives and congruent with idiographic, therapist-rated outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most couples therapy theories are developed and tested in the USA. In this clinical study, we investigated such therapies in a Swedish context. Over 300 couples were enrolled in the study of whom just under half completed the end-of-treatment assessment and just over 40 per cent a two-year follow-up. At the start, the study group displayed severe problems in marital adjustment, dyadic interactions and psychiatric symptoms. A relatively short treatment was used and 50 per cent of the couples attended less than nine sessions. Outcomes of treatment showed significant improvements in relationship matters, individual mental health and enhanced coping abilities. At long-term follow-up, all results remained the same and in some aspects improved for both sexes. This study confirms the effectiveness of such therapies in a Swedish context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex difficulties often faced by couples require a range of models for effective help. Relational intensity is heightened in therapy by the ease with which the therapist can be triangled into the couple's relationship and by the influence of the emotional triggers from their respective internal worlds. This article draws on systemic and psychodynamic models and a transgenerational perspective for gendered stories. Different time frameworks link interpersonal and intrapersonal themes. In this sense, the therapist works ‘inside out’ and ‘outside in’. A framework of behaviours, emotions, feelings, meanings and beliefs is proposed to help link these perspectives. ‘Invisible contracts’ and the sense of there often being an unconscious ‘pact to disappoint’ are described. Clear models are not enough, for it is the intimate encounter between client and therapist that is the bedrock of therapeutic change and growth. There is no short cut to this sense of intimacy in the unique encounter between therapist and each new couple. Brief examples from practice describe how the issues discussed may be addressed in couples work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of the topic of goal support and its relevance to couples was presented. Mutual support systems can be improved through applications of the 4-Factor Goal Support (4FGS) system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A content analysis determines the most frequent themes in marriage and family counseling as evidenced by publication of articles, book reviews, and features in The Family Journal. An additional concern of the study is detecting changes in themes in the 52 issues of the journal beginning with Volume 1, Number 1, published in January 1993, and ending with Volume 13, Number 4, published in October 2005. The results and conclusions help determine the context of contemporary issues, demonstrate the evolution of the specialization, and forecast publication needs for the future. The content analysis forms a foundation for identifying publishing priorities, neglected areas of research, and insights about publishable articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Epigenetic model of understanding marital expectations of Bhatti focuses on the domains of (a) expectations from the partner, (b) expectations from marriage, (c) expectations of and from the partner’s family of origin, (d) expectations of the institution of marriage, and (e) the concept of an “ideal partner,” and helps in understanding how martial expectations are influenced by various factors in the person’s life. The underlying assumption is that the spouses enter the marriage with expectations (on all the above mentioned domains), which are facts and exist at a conscious level in the social reality. These indicators further evolve, refine, and change across the span of the marriage. This model has formed the framework for marital therapy and other interventions. This paper highlights the application of this model in marital therapy with couples with marital dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a premarital educational program, with the secondary goal of determining if the structure (conjoint versus group) and the participants’ gender influenced program effectiveness. Data were collected from 29 heterosexual couples. Couples were placed in one of three conditions: (1) premarital education in a group format, (2) premarital education as an individual couple, or (3) the comparison group (no premarital education). The goal of the 8-week intervention was to improve couples’ readiness and preparation for marriage as measured by the PREP-M. The findings suggested that the educational program achieved its stated goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples in psychological difficulties suffer from the fact that they miss a useful, change-provoking conceptualization of their problems. The Human Territorial model helps to see reality different and to get grip on specific problems and conflicts. It is also a model and a language that the therapist can teach the couples. Couples' problems are seen as territorial conflicts and relational irritations as important signals that the partner is entering the territory. A new view on numerous hidden techniques of territorial aggressiveness between partners that cause hostility is presented. The therapist helps the partners to develop specific change goals and better defensive and acquiring skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosures by patients related to infidelity produce a variety of reactions in clinicians, and can also lead to ethical and other clinical dilemmas. These need to be appropriately managed in order to offer effective help to couples or individuals in such situations. Having an understanding of the diversity and complexity of current couple relationship arrangements can help the clinician to manage these reactions and think clearly through any clinical dilemmas. It is also necessary to have a clear theoretical basis for understanding infidelity and making therapeutic interventions around this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is gaining acceptance as efficacious treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder for individuals but not for couples. This article reports three case studies of couples in which EMDR is combined with Gestalt therapy in a single session to resolve relational trauma effects, increase empathy and awareness in the supportive partner and deepen intimacy within the couple. Case studies are described, and implications for research and clinical applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated demographic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal predictors of treatment response in a randomized clinical trial of 134 distressed married couples, which examined traditional (N. S. Jacobson & G. Margolin, 1979) and integrative (N. S. Jacobson & A. Christensen, 1996) behavioral couple therapy. Results based on hierarchical linear modeling revealed that interpersonal variables were the strongest predictors, but their effects were largely limited to predicting initial marital dissatisfaction; greater individual mental health was also associated with less distress initially. Couples who were married longer demonstrated stronger treatment gains, and exploratory analyses suggested that sexually dissatisfied couples showed slower initial, but overall more consistent, gains in the integrative versus the traditional approach. Findings are considered in light of the previous literature on predicting response to marital therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family therapists often encounter couples who present with two very difficult conditions. One, partners are caught in power struggles that paralyze the relationship. The other condition is partners who either refuse or are incapable of discussing problems directly and openly with each other. This article suggests that a technique of shifting the partner's perceptions of each other and the relationship is very useful in breaking this deadlock and subsequently transforming the relationship. An important advantage of this method is that it draws on each partner's strengths. Furthermore, it avoids direct confrontation, which often leads to further power struggles and defensiveness from both sides. A case example is presented to demonstrate how this method can be implemented with couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the autobiography sessions as an approach to couples therapy. Le Hoang uses this type of approach and considers it part of self-differentiation. He cites cases of different couples and how each of them respond to the approach. He mentions and distinguishes the Bowen, Freeman and Framo approaches and says that his is an integration of therapeutic and educational phases which is consistent with the three therapists mentioned. According to Hoang, partners focus less on blaming and criticizing each other as an evidence of differentiation.

The mental health field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) needs more MFT researchers and more research to validate and verify the effectiveness and efficacy of MFT for the treatment of various mental health and relational problems. Knowing more about how successful researchers have developed their careers would be useful in both inspiring and guiding young MFT researchers toward success. Three eminent researchers whose careers have focused on MFT (James Alexander, John Gottman, and Howard Liddle) and their publications served as the research sample. Research questions addressing types of research, research samples, research questions, therapy model development, funding, and paths of the research careers were answered using content analysis. Results support guidelines that include having a focused research interest area, adhering to the scientist-practitioner model, obtaining funding, maximizing the utility of research samples, and generating publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty treatment outcome studies, 13 of which evaluated behavioral couples therapy (BCT) and seven of which evaluated emotionally focused therapy (EFT) were reviewed, leading to the following conclusions. BCT leads to short and long-term gains for moderate to severe couple distress. In the long term BCT probably leads to no better outcomes than its constituent components-behavioral exchange training and communication and problem solving skills training. Addition of a cognitive therapy component to BCT or the use of a variety of treatment formats does not improve the efficacy of BCT. Integrative couples therapy and insight-oriented marital therapy may be more effective than BCT, but studies supporting this conclusion require replication. EFT leads to short and long-term gains for mild to moderate couple distress. Addition of a cognitive therapy component to EFT does not enhance its efficacy. EFT may be more effective than problem solving therapy and less effective than integrated systemic therapy, but the two studies supporting this conclusion require replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples group therapy using a dialectical cotherapy approach is described. Illustrative examples are provided as well as a summary of the feedback provided by the group members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines a solution-focused approach to premarital counseling. Solution-focused premarital counseling is a strength-based approach that focuses on a couple's resources to develop a shared vision for the marriage. Background information about premarital counseling and solution-focused therapy provide the framework for the development of intervention strategies that are grounded in the solution-focused approach. Solution-oriented interventions include solution-oriented questions, providing feedback, and the Couple's Resource Map, an original intervention that is described in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1998, John Gottman and his associates published an article which asserted that training 'active listening' between couples was an ineffective therapeutic intervention. Not surprisingly, this claim generated considerable controversy, particularly in relation to treatment and educational models that were heavily dependent on active listening as a major part of their intervention programmes. The authors of one such approach, the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), were particularly vocal in their disagreement with Gottman's conclusions. This paper provides an account of the controversy, a summary of the current status of the debate and a discussion of the remaining unanswered questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working with couples who are both survivors of emotional abuse and are currently in an emotionally abusive relationship can be particularly challenging for the clinician. This article focuses on Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy as a recommended practice approach for clients who are caught in emotionally abusive patterns with one another. The article reviews relevant literature on this approach and illustrates the specific interventions applied to an emotionally abusive couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While percentages of extramarital sex (EMS) vary from study to study, it can be estimated that 50-60% of married men and 45-55% of married women engage in extramarital sex at some time or another during their marriage and almost half come to therapy because of it. EMS appears in several different forms, only some of which are sexual in nature. Recently, couples are coming to therapy with a new type of affair: the Cyber-Affair. According to the President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, this type of Internet infidelity has been greatly underestimated due to the Internet's current popularity as a technological advancement. In addition, healthcare professionals are often unfamiliar with the dynamics associated with the relatively new concept of cyber-affairs and the electronic process of "virtual cheating" and thus often do not consider the behavior as infidelity. It is the purpose of this paper to explore this new phenomenon, the cyber-affair and to investigate how the ability to form romantic and sexual relationships over the Internet can sometimes lead to marital separation and divorce. In addition, the paper examines the factors involved in Internet infidelity, the unique problems associated with this type of affair, along with a discussion of the therapeutic considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors suggest an expanded approach to using Internal Family Systems Therapy (Schwartz, 1992, 1995) with couples by adding several feminist-informed therapeutic concepts. From a feminist-informed perspective, the authors present the importance of the therapeutic alliance, hierarchy within therapy, client choice, compassionate witnessing, and an expansion of the concepts of boundaries, enmeshment, and disengagement. A feminist-informed case example illustrates several of these therapeutic themes. In order to provide a contextualized reflection on the therapeutic system, the authors then go on to discuss common issues that have arisen while training therapists to provide feminist-informed IFS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of marriages today are interchurch, that is, marriages in which each spouse belongs to a different Christian church or denomination. The limited research on interchurch couples suggests that they are more at risk for divorce than same-church couples. A qualitative study and a national telephone survey were conducted by the Center for Marriage and Family at Creighton University to better understand interchurch marriages. Based on findings from these studies, clinical implications for premarital counseling with interchurch couples are presented. The findings suggest not only how to work with interchurch couples, but how religion can potentially impact all couples regardless of their denominational affiliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to repeated calls for process research on couple and family therapy, three different process research methodologies - grounded theory, change events analysis, and experimental manipulation - are presented and evaluated. A process research conceptual framework outlining some of the important issues in process research is presented. To illustrate each methodology, three completed process studies are briefly described, and a sample of results is provided. The strengths and weaknesses of each methodology are discussed, along with their role in generating and testing clinically relevant change theories. It is argued that each of these methodologies can provide researchers with important tools for unraveling the processes of change in couple and family therapy and should be used more frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a qualitative study that investigated client perceptions of helpful and unhelpful aspects of couples therapy. A thematic analysis of interviews revealed among other themes, that couple participants associated helpful therapy experiences with (a) being given choices regarding ideas and ways of working that fit for them, (b) working with a therapist they trusted, and (c) developing new ideas about the couple relationship. Implications of this study for future research, practice, and training are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]