ABSTRACT
In the last chapter, I discussed the importance of focusing on the pathological couple process. In this chapter, I will go into more detail, elaborating on prevalent issues, common dances, and interventions tailored to these issues and dances. Pathological dances are, by definition, maladaptive or dysfunctional. Couple dysfunction expresses itself most often as spouses failing to work collaboratively in the face of conflict. It is also evident when partners collude to avoid facing problems. We begin this chapter with the topics of anger and blame, since these are so common in all forms of serious couple conflict and tend to be poorly understood.
