Cognitive Therapy With Couples:
The Initial Phase of Treatment
Videotape
Frank M. Dattilio
This informative and stimulating videotape presents excerpts
from five treatment sessions in which Dr. Frank Dattilio demonstrates the
core techniques of Cognitive Couples Therapy. The viewer has a rare
opportunity to watch a master therapist using the same procedures that are
presented in the book.
The young couple in this presentation enter therapy after
10 years of marriage with complaints of resentment, alienation, misunderstanding,
disenchantment, unfairness, and nonproductive quarrelsome arguments. In
a series of conjoint and individual sessions, Dr. Dattilio demonstrates how
he helps couples identify and conceptualize their complaints, thoughts, feelings,
and beliefs and then begin the process of reconceptualizing and reframing
those concepts and schemata to improve their personal and marital relationships.
The use of specific techniques is clearly illustrated including how
to delve into automatic thoughts and underlying beliefs (schemata), procedures
for delineating positive and negative frames, how to develop and use the
download arrow, reframing, educating clients in the cognitive model,
and ways in which various questionnaires, instruments, and homework assignments
can be productively used diagnostically, therapeutically, and to reinforce
therapeutic gains. A brief program guide will help both experienced
and novice therapists increase their understanding and appreciation of what
Dr. Dattilio demonstrates in his work with this couple.
"Dr. Dattilio has developed one of the premier teaching tapes and demonstrations
of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy applied to couples. The tape is well
produced, has excellent video and sound, and gives the viewer an opportunity
to 'sit in' on marital therapy with one of the foremost CBT clinicians in
the world"
*Arthur Freeman, EdD,
ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology and Director, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
"A daunting challenge for every marital therapist is the couple who endlessly
argue and blame each other. Both partners view their own behavior as
a justifiable reaction to the other's behavior. Neither partner can
take responsibility for his/her own motives or behavior. This mutual
projection system is called marriage. Since such marital interactions
are usually refractory to change, most therapists throw up their hands after
trying everything they know... This videotape clearly shows the effectiveness
of [the Cognitive Therapy with Couples] approach in improving the relationship
of couples for whom squabbling was a way of life."
*James L. Framo, PhD, Distinguished
Professor, US International University, San Diego, CA