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‘Why Were You Drawn to Each Other?’— Some Implications of the Couple Bond for Couple Therapy
Author(s) -
Contos Anastasia
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.297
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1467-8438
pISSN - 0814-723X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1467-8438.1998.tb00335.x
Subject(s) - spouse , blame , psychology , distress , family therapy , social psychology , project commissioning , partner effects , attachment theory , psychotherapist , sociology , publishing , political science , anthropology , law
Some themes in couple therapy are explored by introducing a case study of a couple in distress. The question, ‘Why were you drawn to each other?’ helps to unravel the relationship story, its dynamics and difficulties. Attachment theory as developed by John Bowlby is propounded as a useful model in understanding couple relationships. The importance of exploring family‐of‐origin attachments is reiterated, as well as helping each spouse to change in themselves rather than to blame their partner for their difficulties, with the ultimate aim being the enhancement of the relationship.