The behavioural-systems approach to the treatment of couples

Abstract

A method is described for the short-term treatment of couples, both those presenting problems within the relationship and others in whom the perceived problem may be in one partner only but is expressed in the context of the relationship. These latter problems may be psychiatric in nature, including depression, anxiety and jealousy; they may be psychosexual or they may be behavioural. The approach makes use of the behavioural techniques of reciprocity, negotiation and communication training, and the systemic techniques of structural and strategic interventions. A method for matching interventions to the presenting problems, the ‘hierarchy of alternative levels of intervention’ is described. It is important for the therapist to be sensitive to specific characteristics in the couples and to their cultural and religious backgrounds.