A technique for enhancing behavioral marital therapy

Abstract

Behavioral Marital Therapy (BMT) has been found to be an effective approach for the treatment of various marital problems. Even though it has been found to be effective in the treatment of marital problems, there have been questions about the extent of changes in the marital relationship. More theoretical methods, techniques, and research are needed to address concerns about the extent of changes and comparisons need to be made between the effectiveness of BMT and other marital therapy approaches. Recently marital therapists have noted the importance of the therapeutic alliance in marital therapy; the relationship between all members of the therapy, e.g., the therapist and each person of the couple. An approach utilizing BMT, problem-solving, modeling, and methods which are designed to enhance the therapeutic alliance and promote change is discussed. Applications of this new approach are also presented.