ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of Denise and David. The case of Denise and David illustrates the application of Couple Therapy for Depression, an evidence-based, integrated behavioural couple therapy available on the National Health Service. The 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey highlights that, every week, one in six adults experience symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and one in five adults have considered taking their own life at some point. In Denise and David’s case, a mutual trap is identified as the therapist will have formed an initial ‘picture’ of the couple’s defensive interaction, where their differences have become divisive and their communication has broken down. Problem-solving and exercises to prompt changes in behaviour are practiced in the latter half of the therapy, both during sessions and as ‘homework’ for the couple, along with communication exercises.
