Behavioral Methods in Couples Therapy
All behavior has a purpose and couples therapy is no different (Besharat, 2003). Behavioral therapists will manipulate family systems, even a change in one partner can manipulate the couple dynamic (Munichin, 1974). The couple tends to follow rules to keep the system in homeostasis (Barsharat, 2003). By breaking the rules, this aggravates the system which may allow change in the subsystem for the couple (Munichin, 1974).
In Behavioral therapy the couple generally presents as belligerent, bitter, detached, and enervate (Epstein, 2019). The research suggests that the more positive reactions the couple has either through communication or noncommunication, such as body language, the better the couple will feel towards one another and the stronger the relationship (Epstein, 2019).
In behavioral therapy, the therapist must understand human behavior to understand how the couple operates (Besharat, 2003). As therapists, we need to understand respondent, operant, and observational learning (Besharat, 2003). Basically, a human reacts a certain way due to their environment and experiences (Besharat, 2003). A great example would be watching how a person’s parents act in their marriage can be either a good or bad role model to emulate (Besharat, 2003). All people try to augment rewards and decrease costs (Besharat, 2003). The more positive the relationship is, the higher the reward and the more enjoyable it is for each partner (Besharat, 2003).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on problem solving, communication, skills training, and role playing (Mack, 2019). The next portion is to work on distortions and misconceptions about expectations of the couple (Dattilio, 2010). Once the couple can accept their partner as they are, the distortions dissipate (Mack, 2019). Some successful interventions have been joining, externalizing the problem, and building resilience (Mack, 2019).
Looking at family problems from a systemic lens, it is believed that children’s problems stem from marital problems (Fiese, 2019). A system is designed by how the parts of it interact (Fiese, 2019). For example, in a car, if it runs out of oil, eventually the engine starts to break down and stops functioning. The car does not break down by itself (Fiese, 2019). “A system is greater than the sum of its parts, open systems continuously have inputs and outputs to not create homeostasis, and negative feedback loops facilitate self-stabilization” (Fiese, 2019 p.4). A hostile or disconnected family was more likely to have conflicted children (Fiese, 2019). If the family is able to be open, cohesive, and adaptable, they were able to function better (Fiese, 2019).
Couples have a hard time differentiating between their thoughts and feelings, instead it is important to distinguish between how their partner is feeling and understanding that perspective (Epstein, 2002). In general systems theory, the system is defined by its elements (Fiese, 2019). In other words, all of the individuals within a family system have a role to play (Fiese, 2019). Open versus closed systems vary drastically (Fiese, 2019). A closed system is one which the couple has an adverse or detached communication style with themselves and also their children communicated this way (Fiese, 2019). In contrast, and open system is where the couple opened the system to communicate and be malleable, the entire family communicated allowing more information into the system. (Fiese, 2019). The two largest properties of an open system are “adaptability and cohesion” (Fiese, 2019).
By using these theories behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and systems in conjunction with each other is effective when working with the couple so they can understand how family systems work. By understanding the behavior, it enlightens the couple to create a safe space to work on themselves in a cohesive manner. It is recommended that for distressed couples, a behavioral approach is ideal (Mack, 2019). For families needing youth coaching or with cognitive distortions, cognitive behavioral works well (Mack, 2019). Systems theory is helpful to understand the family dynamic with systems, subsystems, and hierarchies (Fiese, 2019).
References
Besharat, M.A. (2003). What are the main differences between behavioral and systems therapy
with couples? A critical account. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 33, 109-127.
Dattilo, E. M. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy with couples and families: A comprehensive
Guide for clinicians. New York, New York: Guilford Press.
Epstein, N.B. & Baucom, D.H. (2002). Cognitive and emotional factors in couples’ relationships.
In Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach (pp. 65-104).
American Psychological Association.
Epstein, N.B. & Baucom, D.H. (2002). Behavioral factors in couples’ relationship problems. In
Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for couples: A contextual approach. (pp.27-63).
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Mack, K.N. & Lebowitz, E.R. & Silverman W.K. (2019). Contemporary family
Psychotherapy. Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theories. APA handbook of
contemporary family psychology: Foundations, methods, and contemporary issues
across the lifespan. Vol 1. Pp 55-73. American Psychological Association.
Munuchin, S (1974). Families and Family Therapy. London: Tavistoc Publications.
