Couples in Conflict: Treatment Strategies That Work

While every couple has conflict, only some know how to manage it. What do these successful couples do that we can teach other couples? Why do some couples periodically damage their relationship unnecessarily? How can we help allcouples quarrel less often, less intensely, and less destructively?

Too many couples approach conflict as an adversarial, zero-sum activity. We’ll look at how to transform couples’ conflict into a cooperative activity, complete with practical guidelines—including the role of curiosity in making conflict more productive.

Common existential issues (such as our desire for meaning; ambivalence about being known; and powerlessness in the face of life’s unfair challenges) make collaborative conflict difficult. So we’ll explore how to identify and discuss these anxiety-provoking issues with patients, helping couples support each other when under stress instead of attacking each other.

We’ll also examine the narrative process, and how couples are sometimes having two (or more) different arguments at the same time.

We’ll look at why high-conflict couples often leave us exhausted—and what we can do about that. Above all, this webinar is practical, with case examples and time for questions. And Dr. Klein’s well-known sense of humor will keep things moving, entertaining you as you learn.

Target audience: This course is appropriate for all mental health professionals

Content level: Introductory/Intermediate