Adapting enactments to couple reactivity: five developmental stages

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Family Studies
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Enactments are a common change intervention in relationship therapy, involving therapist coaching of couple/family interaction.
• Therapist-channeled interaction differs from enactments, where couples/families interact directly.
• Readiness for enactment varies due to distress, volatility, and reactivity, necessitating adaptable interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a developmental model for adapting enactments in couple therapy.
• To address the lack of existing models for differentiating enactments based on changing relationship conditions.
• To enhance the successful application of enactments across the therapeutic continuum.

Main Methods:

• Development of a five-stage model for clinical operations in couple therapy.
• The model differentiates the process and structure of enactments.
• Adaptation is based on fluctuating levels of relationship distress, interactional volatility, and emotional reactivity.

Main Results:

• The proposed model provides a framework for tailoring enactments to specific client needs and therapeutic stages.
• It increases the likelihood of successful enactment use by therapists throughout couple therapy.
• The model offers a template for adapting enactments to other relationship systems.

Conclusions:

• A differentiated, stage-based approach to enactments is crucial for effective couple therapy.
• The five-stage model facilitates the adaptive use of enactments across diverse client presentations.
• Further research can explore adapting this model for family and other relationship therapy systems.