ABSTRACT
The 12 examples in this chapter showcase social therapeutic couples coaching work, with a focus on what the relationship needs. It illustrates how the coach’s eye rests on supporting the couple to see themselves as a “we” and to see the couple and coach relationship as a group whose task is to work towards what the relationship needs and grow the relationship. While remaining grounded in social therapeutic methodological concepts, the authors highlight the performatory aspects of social therapeutic coaching which draw on the tools of improv and theater. Hearing the offer, improv games, imitation and creating new performances together become prominent in helping couples break out of well-worn scripts as they begin to discover what it is they want to create together.
