ABSTRACT
In order to use the techniques presented in this book effectively, it is necessary to conduct an assessment of the couple and develop a formulation of the case. The assessment phase consists of the initial interview and four to five more sessions. This chapter will not focus on the details of how to conduct these initial sessions because this aspect of treatment has been adequately covered elsewhere (Friedlander & Heatherington, 1998; Heller, 1987; Odell & Quinn, 1998; Young & Long, 1998). Heller is a colleague of ours, and thus her article is especially representative of our approach.
