ABSTRACT
Couples often enter therapy with entrenched interaction patterns and ways of thinking about each other that are painful and unfulfilling. They may avoid conflict at all costs or engage in nasty arguments daily. They may see each other as needy, whiny, lazy, unreliable, or worse. Both partners may be in emotional pain and may fail to recognize that they are not alone in their suffering. Fed by strong negative emotions, these thought and behavior patterns may be difficult to break. Although couple therapy can promote positive change, it is often limited by financial and time constraints. It also takes place outside of the context of couples’ daily lives. Consequently, couple therapists frequently implement homework assignments designed to bridge the gap between the therapy office and a couple’s regular environment.
