The first task of a therapist asked to treat a distressed relationship includes . . .
A) Identifying the dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are contributing to the couple's distress
B) Figuring out which partner is to blame for the distressing situation
C) Restoring the partners' relationship satisfaction to its initial level
D) Speaking with family members to determine the root of the problem

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first task of a therapist asked to treat a distressed relationship is to identify the dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are contributing to the couple's distress. This requires a thorough assessment of the couple's communication patterns, conflict resolution skills, and individual histories. Blaming one partner or seeking to restore the relationship satisfaction to its initial level would be premature before understanding the underlying issues. Speaking with family members may be helpful in some cases, but it is not necessarily the first task of the therapist.

The First Task of a Therapist Asked to Treat a Distressed