ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the scope, methods, and practical implications of the process research in couple and family therapy (CFT). All of the complexities in the consulting room are reflected in the research on effective processes in CFT. The more studies focused on therapeutic events that are critical in conjoint CFT, such as resolving conflict, reducing blame, facilitating engagement, and reframing child-focused problems as interpersonal. A large proportion of the 2000–2012 CFT process literature focused on aspects of treatment that are not theory specific but are, rather, common to multiple approaches to working with couples and families. The System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances was specifically developed to study conjoint treatment. In addition to the specific literature on perceptions of the working alliance, either as a predictor of outcome or as related to in-session behavior, there were several other studies of clients’ perceptions of CFT.
