Introduction - Brief Couples Therapy (BCT)

Brief Couples Therapy: Group and Individual Couple Treatment for Addiction and Related Mental Health Concerns

By incorporating the theory and techniques from the Integrative Model, BCT is a powerful tool for couples with substance use problems.

Often, couple and family therapists find themselves in the position of being referees for family or couple “boxing matches,” when family members have become entrenched within their own positions and are unable to see the problem from each other’s point of view. Alcohol and drug use can exacerbate this type of blaming and positioning. Thus, the family systems perspective allows therapists to get a broader scope in relation to reoccurring issues.

Therapists can use this broader awareness to help each member of the couple gain an understanding of the frames of reference underlying the rigid positions that each has taken in his or her ongoing conflicts. When the family systems framework is combined with solution-focused aims, such as looking towards a more positive future and increasing self-efficacy, couples can begin to resolve complex substance-related problems by looking at these problems from a different perspective and imagining possibilities for change.

Finally, principles that were derived from the social learning and cognitive behavioural modalities and that inform the Integrative Model provide the substance that underlies skill-building strategies. These strategies, we believe, help couples to increase positive communication and to enhance their relationship between sessions.

Brief Couples Therapy

Acknowledgments

Introduction

• Assessment Session
• Session 1: Introduction
• Session 2: Genogram/Family Tree
• Session 3: Miracle Question
• Session 4: Goal Setting
• Session 5: Communication
• Session 6: Trust/Intimacy
• Session 7: Relapse Prevention
• Session 8: Conclusion

References

Appendix A: The Background of the Integrative Model

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