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Indications for Couple Therapy
Journal article

Indications for Couple Therapy

Abstract

Couple therapy for individuals with severe personality disorders is beginning to be recognized as a valuable therapeutic approach that could meaningfully impact the individuals' personality pathology. This paper highlights the potential role of couple therapy with couples with histrionic/obsessive-compulsive personality disorders and introduces the “paradox” of couples with “healthier” personality features. In spite of healthier personality styles, these couples are often more difficult to engage than couples with more severe personality pathology. Using the attachment concept to understand this paradox, the histrionic/obsessive-compulsive personality disordered couples have more options than more disturbed individuals to resolve marital distress. These options or patterns of relationships will inform the therapist about

Authors

MacFarlane MM; Links PS; Stockwell M

Journal

International Journal of Systemic Therapy, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 73–88

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publication Date

January 4, 2005

DOI

10.1300/j085v15n04_06

ISSN

2692-398X

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