title: Change processes in couple therapy: an intensive case analysis of one couple using a common factors lens.
abstract: The article describes a research study that explored the process of how change occurred for one distressed couple and a specific therapist in a naturalistic setting. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected on the couple at multiple points in the therapy. A research team comprised of five members met regularly to analyze the data and collectively they arrived at a theory of change for the couple posttherapy. Conclusions are made related to how change occurred for the couple with an emphasis on the role of extratherapeutic events, client motivational factors, the therapeutic alliance, hope and expectancy factors, therapist factors, specific techniques and interventions, and other surprise factors that contributed to change.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Child Ecology, Michigan State University, 3E Human Ecology, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA. blowa@msu.edu
authors.forename: Adrian J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Blow
authors.forename: Nancy C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tamaren
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schaafsma
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nadaud
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004500:Education, Graduate; D004644:Emotions; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D009042:Motivation; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012718:Set, Psychology