ABSTRACT
C onstructual marital therapy (CMT) is a complex, comprehensive, and pragmatic model of therapy designed to help couples in conflict. Constructual is derived from the Latin word construct, meaning “to build up.” This paradigm, in a systematic manner, builds upon and allows for the integration of other theoretical concepts and models of practice. CMT describes the foundation upon which a successful modern relationship is built: love, trust, hope, friendship, and respect. It is defined here as “the covenant marriage” and is inclusive of all unions. I will present the principles of practice and the rationale from which those principles were derived for use in clinical interventions. Each feature of the CMT framework draws from those models of practice and theory deemed appropriate for conceptualization, diagnosis, planning, or intervention. The model allows freedom for therapists to select from their own body of knowledge and experience in theoretical concepts and principles of practice that lead couples to travel together on a clear and harmonious path (Jung, 1993).
