Preventive Approaches in Couples Therapy

This comprehensive text is the first to offer a thorough overview of the current leading approaches to preventing couple distress and marital dissolution. Written for professionals, paraprofessionals, and lay people involved in the development and implementation of programs aimed at preventing marital discord and divorce, the editors have created a resource accessible to all in the field of couples therapy. For those just beginning in the field and for those well established in their practice, it offers the wisdom and practical knowledge of 13 developers and leaders of major preventive approaches. This volume serves as an important resource for programs that the therapist already uses and as an insightful introduction into new programs that the therapist can use to strengthen and invigorate therapeutic approaches. The contributors to this volume offer detailed explanations of the theoretical underpinnings and clinical strategies of their programs. They also provide a vivid description of what a typical "couple at risk" would experience in attending the program. Each preventive approach is structured in a uniform fashion that allows easy comparison between the programs. This helps the reader examine the programs to determine which is most suitable for his or her own practice. In addition, the book covers recent research on the efficacy of marital therapies and preventive programs, as well as summarizes the strengths, weaknesses, and future trends in the field. Preventive Approaches in Couples Therapy represents a vital step toward helping marriages before marital friction becomes marital distress and dissolution, making it an essential text for anyone working in the field of couples therapy.