At the National Institute of Perinatology, a line of clinical psychological research is the study and treatment of patients with couple problems to generate strategies of intervention based on clinical research. Objective To identify risk indicators in a psychotherapy institutional group process. Material and method The qualitative-interpretative method was used. The sessions, in an open group form, were once a week during two hours. Attendance ranged between eight and 12 participants. 35 sessions were analyzed with the content analysis method. Results The mean age was 32.3 years for women and 35.1 for men. The information was systematized with the most significant stories. The indicators found in women were: impotence and trapping feelings, affective distancing from their couple, confusion of the origin of the relationship conflicts between external and/or internal origins, violent or confused communication, submissive or explosive character, resentment due to a perceived indifference from their couple, history of sexual abuse which difficults a satisfactory development of couple relationships, guilt, and resentment or anger feelings at their parents. The indicators in men were: trapping and impotence feelings due to the control exercised by their couples, violent behaviors on domestic environments, over-exigent and persecutory conducts, difficulty on the individuation process and unsolved conflicts with their primary figures which prevent a satisfactory relationship. Conclusions Marital problems deeply disturb the affective life of people and have familiar and social consequences. This paper is an incursion to un-derstand a small part of the important facts regarding this universe, aiming to be more specific in the treatment plans for people suffering marital conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]