[Conjugal consultation and frame of reference]

To study the frame of reference within which marriage counselling is generally practiced is also to define the conditions in which it is applicable as well as the methods to be used and their limitations. The history of marriage counselling, its "object" (the marriage relationship), its theoretical bases and its specific interest in interpersonal relationship disorders rather than individual pathology will be discussed. At the intersection between the personal and the interpersonal, couples and their problems confront us with some basic questions which require clarification as to the meaning and impact of our activity.