Enfoque na Comunicação Versus Enfoque na Solução de Problemas em Sessão Única de Casal

Abstract

Studies indicate that couples with or without conflicts have precisely the same types of problems, and that what differentiates them, are their abilities of communication and solution of problems. Although some investigators treat training and problem solving training as one module, the two types of training are quite different as to what concerns procedure and concept. Considering that many clients that look for therapeutic help only attend an single session, and that couples are more demanding concerning the speed of results, any progress obtained in the first session could contribute to treatment adherence or could even be the only chance the therapist has to promote significant changes in the couple's life. The general objective of the present project was to explore the effects of two interventions in single sessions of couple therapy, one focusing on communication and the other on problem solving. Six couples participated in the study, divided in two groups: one group receiving the communication-focused intervention (group A) and another receiving the problem solving focused intervention (group B). The results of group A suggest that it is possible, with a single session, to effectively improve the communication of the couple. However, the teaching of problem solving strategies did not result in improvement. More studies are necessary to improve the techniques. single session couple therapy, communication and problem solving training.