Marriage and Family Therapists

Primary Therapeutic Orientation in Couples Therapy

Goals and Outcomes of Couples Therapy

Challenges in Counseling High-Conflict Couples

Peter Pearson and Ellyn Bader

Example of a Couples Therapy Session

A couple is in conflict over household chores. One partner, who grew up in a home with very traditional gender roles, expects the other to handle most of the cleaning. The other partner, raised in a home where chores were shared equally, feels this expectation is unfair. Their disagreements are becoming more frequent and resentful. According to the fundamental principles of couples therapy, what would be the therapist's primary goal in their initial sessions?

A couple is experiencing constant conflict over their finances. One partner, who grew up in a family with limited resources, perceives the other as financially reckless. The other partner, who came from a more affluent background, feels the first partner is overly controlling about money. If they enter therapy together, which of the following actions best represents the therapist's primary role in addressing their issue?