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In your response, identify two main couple therapy goals from chapter 5 of Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy assigned this week in treatment for this couple

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In your response, identify two main couple therapy goals from chapter 5 of Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy assigned this week in treatment for this couple. At least one of these goals should focus on applying the sound relationship house applies with this couple. As part of your response, clearly describe how the love maps function in the couple's relationship. Describe how you would intervene to develop these love maps with this couple. Make sure to provide evidence for your interventions and your goals for this client couple. This means you should cite in the text of your posts as well as list them in a reference list. When responding to this case, please theorize as to the couple's responses to various therapist's questions. Also, imbelish important background information as needed.

Here is the case:

Debby (28 years old) and James (33 years old) appeared nervous as they described what brought them to the office. James complained that they lacked intimacy, "We struggle with just sharing with each other. Debby criticizes me for everything." Debby stated, "I want guidance. We both push buttons and things get out of hand really quickly." She complained that James was unresponsive and defensive, "I feel like he takes everything I say and makes me out to be the bad guy."

After obtaining the narrative, the assessment moved to the next phase, the oral history, asking a series of questions about how the couple met and how the relationship progressed. The inquiry focuses on courting, the marriage day, and significant events in their relationship.

The oral history is an important part of the assessment process because how couples tell the story of their relationship is an important diagnostic indicator of whether the individuals are in negative-sentiment override or positive-sentiment override. When couples are asked, "What were your first impressions of each other?" the therapist gains insight into how each partner's current perspective influences whether the memories are fond recollections, or bitter reminders of the partner's failings and inability to meet important emotional needs.

Debby and James both easily expressed what attracted them to each other when they told their story about how they met and how their relationship developed. Despite the level of distress in the relationship evident in the narrative, smiles and laughter accompanied their story of how they became a couple. They had known each other for five years, first becoming acquainted at an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. After several years of connecting through AA, James stated that he finally asked Debby if she would like to go out with him. These times together went very well for the both of them. As their relationship developed, they both began feeling that they were meant for one another. After about a year of courting, they decided to marry. Soon after marrying, things started to become difficult, with increasing feelings of anger and disappointment in the relationship.

Debby and James were then asked to talk about an area of disagreement or conflict for 10 minutes. They agreed to talk about household chores and the ongoing conflict over picking up around the house. The discussion quickly escalated into a pattern of attack-defend, with both becoming visibly upset and overwhelmed. After about 5 minutes, James appeared very depressed and quiet, stating that the whole thing was hopeless. Debby attempted to draw him out initially, and then in frustration and bitterness, she stated that James was impossible to talk with, "James just always shuts down. We can't talk." The conversation did not end well.

At the end of the conflict discussion, they were given a questionnaire packet to complete and bring to their individual sessions. (Carson, 2013)

Carson, D. K.  (2013). Case Studies in Couples Therapy. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]].  Retrieved from vbk://9781136970306