CC11 Keynote 03 – Bad and Good Couples Therapy - William Doherty, PhD

Description:

Jay Haley once said that couples work is the hardest kind of therapy. This presentation will identify the most common screw-ups therapists make in couples therapy, and demonstrate ways to avoid them.  There will be some-thing for both beginning and experienced therapists, who tend to make different mistakes.

Educational Objectives:

1. List the most common mistakes of couples therapists.
2. Describe best practices that cut across models of couples therapy. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline: 

• Introduction to Speaker

• Challenges in Couples Therapy

  • High complexity due to conflict, competing goals, and rigid viewpoints.

  • Difficulty managing multiple family dynamics simultaneously.

  • Risk of therapists unintentionally siding with one partner.

• Training and Therapist Competence

  • Current couples therapy training often insufficient; emphasizes need for practical skills.

  • Therapists must recognize their competence limits and seek specialized training or supervision.

• Common Therapist Mistakes

  • Lack of session structure, allowing couples to argue without guidance.

  • Unbalanced empathy—favoring one partner—leading to unsuccessful outcomes.

  • Poor timing when addressing sensitive issues or offering empathy.

• Critical Moments & Building Hope

  • Therapists need skills to recognize and build on hopeful moments.

  • Importance of timing and emotional calibration during sensitive interactions.

  • Therapy should emphasize hope, reconciliation attempts, and structured decision-making.

• Effective Techniques for Couples Therapy

  • Provide clear session structure and guidance.

  • Focus on direct positive interactions between partners; therapist manages negativity.

  • Introduce a clear trial period dedicated to relationship improvement.

• Final Recommendations

  • Therapists should regularly seek supervision and consultation.

  • Advocate for improved practical training in couples therapy.

  • Recognize personal limitations and continuously update skills.