Psychotherapy of Marital Couples

Some of the objections to fam therapy are common to all group therapy: (a) it is hard enough to understand a 2 person system of interaction let alone a fam; however, often the true character of an individual can be seen only in interaction with other fam members; & (b) the dilution of transference reduces the therapeutic leverage & there is reduced control over the therapeutic process by the therapist. A list of special criticisms against f am therapy are presented, including; (A) the violation of the sanctity of the fam; (B) the possibility of the husband & wife 'ganging up' on the therapist; (C) the chance of shifting a pathology from a sick fam member to a healthier one; & (D) the difficulty of enlisting the cooperation of other fam members. 2 rules are suggested In deciding when to use fam therapy: (1) when a conflict is longstanding & is largely intrapsychic, & where soc relationships have not been severely handicapped; & (2) where there are reciprocal pathological interactions between fam members. 2 case studies are presented. R. W. Wilson (Modified).