The Challenge of Developing a Brief Intervention Service for Couples.

The authors outline the development in the United Kingdom of a service commissioned by the Department for Education from the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships. The purpose was to develop and evaluate a well-being service for couples. The service offered a brief therapeutic intervention of four sessions and was primarily aimed at younger couples in the early stages of parenthood presenting with a focused concern. The authors examine the contextual factors that lead to the development of the service; namely, the importance of prevention and the need for early intervention in regard to securing children's emotional and psychological well-being. Particular emphasis was placed on the couple relationship as a foundational factor. The authors also explore the purpose and effectiveness of the brief therapeutic approach and the theoretical underpinnings that informed their work. Case studies are presented to illustrate the application of the four-session model. In addition, a set of DVDs was specifically commissioned to enhance the brief intervention and their impact is examined and assessed. The report concludes with an evaluation of the service. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]