ABSTRACT
There are common factors that are unique to theories of couple and family therapy. In this chapter, we dig deeper into these factors and provide ways for therapists to optimize these elements in their work with systems. We focus on four factors that have consensus among couple and family therapy (CFT) common factors scholars as shared across CFT theories: (1) systemic conceptualizing of the problem, (2) disrupting dysfunctional relational patterns, (3) expanding the therapeutic alliance and (4) expanding the direct treatment system. While few, these common factors are extremely important and rooted in the ways in which relationship therapy is itself distinctive from other approaches to working with clients.
