The therapeutic work with couples: from the therapist’s training towards the clinical maturity

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the complexities of clinical intervention with couples in conjunction with the trainee's training in the systemic-relational model. The clinical competence useful for intervention with the couples reminds us of the importance of using concepts and constructs from other models as well. Maintaining the theoretical-clinical vertex of work with couples on the systemic-relational model, which is a powerful clinical tool, the psychodynamic approach to the couple’s therapy is discussed during systemic training.

The difficulty of acquiring a relational observation lens can interfere with the complexity of clinical work with the couple as well as its strong resonances in the trainees' internal experiences at the beginning of the training. The sessions with couples, in fact, are powerful activators of projections and identifications, stimulating curiosity and interest, but provoke strong emotional involvement, with potential effects on both the trainee and the group in training.

For all of these reasons, a careful scheduling the various theoretical constructs that can be used with couples is required, due to the trainee's need to first establish a solid foundation of knowledge of the systemic model from which became able to integrate a further knowledge useful for couples clinic.