Couple Therapy

The content of Introduction to Couple Therapy Course is divided into two sections. The first 3 classes cover the theoretical basis of different approaches in CT, while classes 4-7 discuss the particular difficulties that are often a reason for the couples to report to the therapy.

The course in meant to give a very basic insight to specifics of couple therapy (CT). The first three classes cover the theoretical basis of psychodynamic, cognitive - behavioral and systemic approach to couple therapy. The focus in put strongly on modern ways of performing CT within every theoretical stance (current psychodynamic thinking, CBT third wave approaches and narrative therapy for couples).

The second part of the course discusses the clinical issues that are frequently a reason to report to the couple therapy. During those classes we will try to describe and discuss particular understanding and specific techniques, characteristic to different theoretical approaches to: developmental crisis in couple’s life, affairs, violence and sexual dysfunctions.

Introduction to Couple Therapy

1.Models of Couple Therapy

Psychodynamics and couple relations.

Sender F. (1998) Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy. In: Dattilio F.M. Case studies in Couples and Family Therapy, Guilford Press (p.427 – 444)

Scharff J., Scharff D. (2008) Object relations couple therapy. (p167 – 192) Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th edition. Guilford Press

Morgan M. (2015)„Developing a Couple State of Mind“ in: Grier F.(2004) Oedipus and the Couple, Tavistock Clinic Series (in the Folder)

2. Models of Couple Therapy

Cognitive behavioral approach to couple relations

Baucom D. (et alt, 2008) Cognitive – Behavioral Couple Therapy. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th Edition. Guilford Press ( 31- 68)

Third wave approaches : Lev.A., McKay M. (2017) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for couples. Chapter 1. Where Couple Conflicts Start, (p.5-10), Chapter 2. Learning about schemas (p 11 – 32), Chapter 4. Values Clarification for Couples (p.51 – 81) (in the Folder)

3. Intrapsychic – Interpersonal - Intercontexual

Systemic and post-modern approach to couples

Dallos R., Draper R . Introduction to family Therapy. Systemic theory and practice Chapter 1. The 1st phase (17 – 21).

Freedman J., Combs G. (2008) Narrative Couple therapy in: Gurman A.S. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th edition. Guilford Press (229 - 257)

Snyder D.K., Halford W.K. (2012) Evidence – based couple therapy: current status and future directions, Journal of Family therapy 34, 229-249.

4. Couple in process

Sternberg R. (1986) A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93, 2, 119 – 135 (in the Folder)

Nichols W. (1996) Treating people in Families Chapter 3. Family System and development. (57 – 71)

5. Affairs

Coop Gordon K., Baucom D. (2008) Couple therapy and the treatment of affairs. In: Gurman A.S. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th edition. Guilford Press

6. Violence

O’Leary D. (2008) Couple Therapy and physical aggression (p478 – 496). In: Gurman A.S. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th edition. Guilford Press

7. Sex ad intimacy.

McCarthy B., Thestrup M. (2008) Couple therapy and the treatment of sexual Dysfunction. (591- 615), in: Gurman A.S. Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, 4th edition. Guilford Press

Blair L. (2018) Mind and Body. III Conference Working Psychoanalytically with couples. „How much sex is there in sex?“, Warsaw 2018. (in the Folder)

8. Exam

At the end of the course the students will be able to:

 Describe the basic processes of couple relations in terms of psychodynamic, cognitive – behavioral and systemic theories,

 Compare different couple therapy approaches and techniques,

 Describe interventions, based on different theoretical backgrounds, that would be adequate in treatment of particular couple’s problems.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course will end with a final exam, that will take form of a test, including multiple –choice questions, and two open questions.

Grading :

92% – 100% 5

84% - 91% 4,5

83% - 76% 4

75% - 68 % 3,5

67% - 60% 3

Students may miss 1 class unexcused. In other cases additional assignments such as an essay will be required. Absence on more than 2 classes will result in failing the course

Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are required to report all cases to the administration.