ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a discussion of the evolution of psychoanalytic thought to the development of couple therapy. It describes the practice of object-relations couple therapy and discusses Imago relationship therapy, which reintroduced psychodynamic theory into couples practice. The chapter also outlines the new and promising relational psychoanalytic approach to couple therapy. Psychoanalytic refers to constructs and principles of psychic functioning derived from Freud and his followers and to a set of techniques for treatment and for scholarly investigation. Although psychoanalysis is among the oldest psychotherapeutic systems, therapists have shown relatively little interest in using it for the treatment of marital discord. The couple therapist begins the assessment of the individual life history of each spouse in five areas: earliest memories, later childhood and adolescent memories, recurrent dreams, fantasies and daydreams, and medical history. The couple's perspectives are fleshed out through the exploration of their developmental histories with a focus on gender, age, and culture.
