Review of Brief Therapy with Couples

• Published in: Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 1997, Vol.34 (4), p.516-516
• Main Author: DeChenne, Timothy K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brief Psychotherapy; Couples Therapy; Human; Marriage Counseling
• ISSN: 0033-3204; 1939-1536
• DOI: 10.1037/h0092399

Reviews the book, Brief therapy with couples by Maria Gilbert and Diana Shmukler (see record 1997-08432-000). As every clinician knows, couples' problems rank at or near the top of the stress hierarchy. These problems are the direct focus of, or at least indirectly related to, much of our work. Gilbert and Shmukler have waded in, worked hard, and yielded up a straightforward, serviceably slim volume that marches toward its goal with nary a misstep. From the outset they establish a refreshingly realistic parameter: for them, "brief" means six to eight sessions. Although the often-cited maximum of 25 sessions has the appeal of a nice round number, the brutal realities of the managed-care world lead us all more frequently into the realm of single digits. Refreshing also is the authors' candid assessment of brief therapy's strengths and limitations. They rightly point out how brief formats tend to minimize such problems as triangulation of, dependence on, and transference toward, the therapist, but they do not hesitate to explore the inevitable downside. A treatment with this time frame, they note, simply does not allow for the consolidation of new behavior patterns during the course of the therapy itself; instead, it is hoped that the ego strength of the clients will allow for continuing consolidation in the months following termination. Furthermore, they are candid about the sometimes insurmountable wall of personal pathology: "The main limitation of brief therapy with couples is that it simply may not reach deepseated, personal issues that are confounding the relationship." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)