Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

During therapy, which intervention focuses on the couple's dynamic rather than individual issues?

1. Individual therapy sessions

2. Focus on one partner’s problems

3. Conjoint therapy

4. Family counseling

The correct answer is: Conjoint therapy

The focus of conjoint therapy is on the relationships and dynamics between partners rather than on individual issues. This form of therapy involves both partners participating together in the sessions, allowing the therapist to observe their interactions, communication patterns, and emotional exchanges. By concentrating on the couple's dynamic, interventions can be tailored to improve their relationship, address conflicts, and enhance understanding between them. This approach fosters a shared environment where both partners can express their feelings and perspectives, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of their relational issues. While individual therapy sessions concentrate on a single person’s experiences and challenges, this does not address the couple's dynamic as a unit. Focusing solely on one partner’s problems limits the exploration of how their issues may interact or affect the relationship as a whole. Similarly, family counseling generally encompasses a broader context beyond just the couple, including other family members, which might dilute the specific focus on the couple's dynamic. Conjoint therapy stands out by prioritizing the interaction and relationship between the partners.