Introduction

The term collusion describes a variety of defensive operations that people who live in

intimate relationships use to validate and protect their respective selves and main-

tain dyadic equilibrium. These collusive systems are held in place by a number of

unspoken contractual agreements and rules that exist at both conscious and uncon-

scious levels of awareness. Professional assistance is often sought when these collu-

sive arrangements have failed and the couple’s attempts to reestablish its previously

existing homeostatic balance have been unsuccessful. Fear that the therapist will

require them to make changes in themselves and their relationship-changes that

they are unprepared to make-often leads the couple to mobilize their characteristic

collusive defenses during treatment. Paradoxically, it is the inadequacy of these very

same defensive operations that is primarily responsible for the couple’s diffi culties.