The following research explores the dynamics and difficulties of interpersonal intimate relationships, be they of a romantic, married, or married with children nature. The complexity of relationships and the conscious and unconscious forces involved in relationship choices and behaviors merit investigation into therapeutic approaches best designed to resolve conflict issues among couples. This research provides a variety of emotional and behavioral issues that individuals present when seeking couples therapy. From communication problems to infidelity, these presenting problems often prescribe a therapeutic approach that is best suited to resolution. The research explores three therapeutic approaches that are well-suited for conflict resolution in relationship therapy: (1) Adlerian therapy, (2) Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and (3) Thinking, Feeling, Acting (TFA) Therapy. TFA represents a new model of couples therapy designed by therapists in response to relationship and health care system pressures. A conclusion suggests that because of family of origin influence on mate selection and relationship behaviors, the systemic theories of Adlerian Therapy are best suited to help couples in distress.
Whether couples are married, living together, or romantically dating, relationships are extremely complex and involve a variety of interactions at a conscious and unconscious level between two or more people (children, in-laws, etc.). Such complex interactions, influence the expectations, judgments and feelings each partner has of each other. Because of this, changing family structures, and changing morals and values in society, separation and divorce have risen dramatically over the past few decades. According to Birchler, Doumas, and Fals-Stewart (1999), ôit is estimated that nearly half of all couples are expected to divorce in the foreseeable futureö (253).
Whatever the nature of a personal relationship, relationships are a...