ABSTRACT
A common complaint of couples beginning marital therapy is lack of communication. Yet spouses often have trouble describing clearly what the communication problem is. When asked, they are only aware that they frequently argue or they have difficulty agreeing, even on the most trivial topics. The therapist is left with a vague notion of the systemic dynamics of the problem, little information on the spouses' motivation for treatment, and no clear treatment goals. Because these couples are also typically distressed and discouraged about their ability to resolve difficulties on their own, they are looking for some immediate relief and signs that the situation is not hopeless. An intervention that comforts clients, improves their morale, and enables the therapist to assess the problem more thoroughly would be beneficial in these beginning sessions.
