Treating Couples

Presentations center on the latest advances in treatment and research in couple therapy. Dynamics of relationships and patterns of interaction that negatively impact couples will be discussed. Strategies will be offered to help clinicians advance treatment skills and improve effectiveness. Select interventions will be highlighted to illustrate what works best for various types of presenting problems. Presentations will include working with infidelity, high conflict couples, sexuality in the age of technology, couples and addictions, and working with couples on the brink of dissolution. A panel will discuss challenges and creative solutions in the practice of couple therapy during the pandemic. The course is intended for mental health clinicians as well as others interested in learning the principles and practices for treating couples. We will use live streaming, electronic Q & A, and other remote learning technologies.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Describe various strategies to use when working with difficult couple situations including divorce, infidelity, aggression, substance abuse and couples on the verge of divorce
Identify psychological interventions (e.g. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, the Gottman Method, Psychodynamic Couple Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy) to work with a variety of couples.
Define ways of improving clinical effectiveness when working with couples of diverse backgrounds including gay and lesbian couples as well as working cross culturally.