Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Couples. A Clinical Guide to Using Mindfulness, Values, and Schema Therapy to Restore Relationships

Relationships require work. For many of us, romantic relationships present a significant challenge, as evidenced by the high divorce rate. This book provides the first ACT-based treatment protocol for couples, identifying the ten most common relationship schemas and the behavior patterns they create. The book will help therapists guide clients through their pain and find solutions that reflect the needs and values of the couple. In this long-awaited book, the ten most common relationship schemas are presented, along with an evidence-based protocol for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By using the material in this book, clinicians will be able to help clients overcome the barriers that hold them back in their relationships. The therapist should not hinder the activation of the relationship schema or diminish the pain caused by the schemas. They are required to help clients observe and name what triggers maladaptive coping behavior during schema activation. By acquiring new skills, in triggering situations and to improve relationships, clients will be able to replace behaviors and maladaptive coping strategies with value-based actions. The focus of therapy becomes the clients' avoidant behavior, rather than their thoughts and beliefs, thus this skills-based guide contains the tools necessary to help clients change their attitude towards their partner.