Integrative Couple Therapy Questions - Coursework Example

Integrative Couple Therapy Describe and give examples of how communication training is used in integrative couple therapy Integrative couple therapy emphasizes the use of communication training in order to enhance effective interaction and communication between couples. Communication training is used to teach couples how to communicate more constructively (Brandell, 2011). One of the ways of using communication training is by demonstrating to couples the best strategic use of communication skills (Jacobson & Follette, 1985).

For example, if one partner is a drug addict, communication training should focus on how the couple can communicate effectively to reinforce abstinence from the drug and encourage open discussion about treatment. The therapist should also be active during the training, showing couples how to communicate openly, clearly and directly (Jacobson & Follette, 1985). The therapist should be there to identify situations in which couples get stuck, and help them to identify alternative ways of interaction and communication.

For example, the therapist may ask the couple to talk about how they can solve their problems, and then observe things like anger, intimidation, and other drawbacks in the communication, and then correct them.ReferencesBrandell, J.R. (2011). Theory & practice in clinical social work. Los Angeles: SAGE. Jacobson, N.S., & Follette, W.C. (1985). Clinical significance of improvement resulting from two behavioral marital therapy components, Behavior Therapy, 16, 249-262.What are the similarities and differences between Jacobson and Christensens integrative couples therapy and experiential therapies?

The integrative couples therapy suggested by Jacobson and Christenson have some similarities and differences with the experiential therapy. The integrative couple’s therapy replaced the traditional models of behavioral couples’ therapy by adding a new concept of emotional acceptance (Cordova et al, 1998). The similarity between the two therapies is that they are both emotionally focused. The difference between the two therapies is that integrative couples therapy involves an interaction between the therapist and the couples through talking and discussions.

On the other hand, experiential therapy involves activities and movements rather than talking (Hayes et al, 1999). The experiential therapy allows patients to search and address hidden issues such through guided imagery, props, and role playing (Hayes et al, 1999). However, integrative couple’s theory allows patients to talk about how they feel about their problems in order to accept them.ReferencesCordova, J.V., Jacobson, N.S. and Christensen, A. (1998). Acceptance versus Change Interventions in Behavioral Couple Therapy: Impact on Couple’s In-session Communication.

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24(4), 437-455.Hayes, S.C., Strosahl, K. and Wilson, K.G. (1999) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change. New York: The Guilford Press.