ABSTRACT
As mentioned earlier, couples therapists must avoid certain pitfalls or risk premature termination of the treatment process; for example, entering into a power struggle with the pursuer or chasing the distancer can spell the demise of the therapy. However, avoiding these problems or skillfully handling any transference or countertransference that may arise does not guarantee that the therapy will be successful. Some couples simply cannot change their patterns, no matter how much effort is exerted, and others simply refuse to change.
