The Co-Construction of New Meanings in Couple Relationships

SUMMARY

The gender informed psychotherapist has Ihc challenge of addressing power issues in couple relationships in a manner that is both gender sensitive and blame free. The Relationship Enhancement model of couple therapy (Guerney, 1977) is particularly suitable for doing this. The model integrates the qualities of empathy and autonomy that are culturally considered feminine and masculine respectively. It systematically teaches couples how to interact with each other in a non-blaming way that is deeply empathic, rationally assertive, and sensitive to how meanings can be both de-constructed and co-constructed in dialogue. The model also permits the integration of relevant techniques from other therapeutic approaches.