ABSTRACT
M. H. Butler and B. C. Gardner provide a framework in which a couple’s emotional reactivity determines through which of five developmental stages of an enactment a therapist should guide a couple. In stage 1, shielded enactments, the seating is arranged so both partners are facing the therapist. In stage 2, buffered enactments, seating is arranged as in stage 1 and all of the interaction is channeled through the therapist, but the speaker will be gently interrupted several times while the therapist checks in with the listening partner to try to elicit a healthy response to whatever was just said. In stage 3, talk-turn enactments, couples face each other and all interaction is channeled through the couple, with the therapist actively coaching healthy interaction. In stage 4, episode enactments, therapist intrusion is greatly reduced, as all interaction is channeled through the couple. Stage 5, relationship enactments, occurs outside of therapy as the couple maintains healthy communication in their daily life.
