The Integration of Relationship-Focused Group Therapy with Couples Treatment

Abstract

This article discusses a new treatment paradigm combining couples therapy with a separate relationship-focused group therapy for each partner. This model is thought to be especially efficacious for those couples experiencing difficulty in making progress in couples treatment alone. The authors postulate that the addition of a separate group process utilizing object relations and self-psycho- logical theories, as well as concepts borrowed from Imago relationship therapy, enhance the probability of working through intractable transference projections that tend to be impervious to either treatment modality on its own. Challenges created by this combined approach as well as benefits are addressed. Theoretical rationale and treatment implications are discussed.