Intro. The point of this course is to move PACT (Psychobiologic Approach to Couples Therapy) into a new dimension. That is, PACT was initially designed by founder Stan Tatkin PsyD. as a couples therapy. The goal of treatment is traditionally to help couples work on a more satisfying relationship, with the goal of “secure functioning.”
A. PACT & Divorce. However, the divorce rate in the US, while falling somewhat in recent years, still hovers around 45%. As a Psychologist and Divorce Mediator, I have worked on integrating therapy and separation processes. This course offers a theoretical and practical frame to therapists helping couples retain some of the secure functioning principles while they are UNcoupling (separating and/or divorcing).
B. RDT. I have discovered Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) as a useful intellectual partner.
Relational dialectics theory (RDT) is a communications theory that explains that patterns of tensions and struggles exist in close relationships, especially when people experience paradoxical or contradictory desires. Proposed in 1988 by Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery, the theory proposes that a) close relationships between people are not one dimensional, but always fluctuating between highs and lows, b) that tensions in our relationships are normal, and that c) good clear communication is necessary to sustain positive productive interpersonal relationships.
RDT is based on the idea that relationships are constantly changing and are made up of contradictory desires, needs, and expectations. The theory focuses on three main types of tensions that arise in relationships:
C. Holding the “third space” of contradiction. My point will be that secure functioning can exist whether a couple is working on improved coupling OR whether they are UNcoupling IF they together as a team can occupy the 3rd space in the either-or dialectic. This is an intersubjective space defined originally by psychoanalysts Ogden (19- ) later Benjamin (19- ), and then by Baxter (1988) and Montgomery (1988).
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/CouplingAND/viewCoupling AND UNcoupling:
What Clinicians need to know about Divorce
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
Presenter: Joy A. Dryer, Ph.D.
Course Length: 3 Hours
Intro. The point of this course is to move PACT (Psychobiologic Approach to Couples Therapy) into a new dimension. That is, PACT was initially designed by founder Stan Tatkin PsyD. as a couples therapy. The goal of treatment is traditionally to help couples work on a more satisfying relationship, with the goal of “secure functioning.”
A. PACT & Divorce. However, the divorce rate in the US, while falling somewhat in recent years, still hovers around 45%. As a Psychologist and Divorce Mediator, I have worked on integrating therapy and separation processes. This course offers a theoretical and practical frame to therapists helping couples retain some of the secure functioning principles while they are UNcoupling (separating and/or divorcing).
B. RDT. I have discovered Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) as a useful intellectual partner.
Relational dialectics theory (RDT) is a communications theory that explains that patterns of tensions and struggles exist in close relationships, especially when people experience paradoxical or contradictory desires. Proposed in 1988 by Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery, the theory proposes that a) close relationships between people are not one dimensional, but always fluctuating between highs and lows, b) that tensions in our relationships are normal, and that c) good clear communication is necessary to sustain positive productive interpersonal relationships.
RDT is based on the idea that relationships are constantly changing and are made up of contradictory desires, needs, and expectations. The theory focuses on three main types of tensions that arise in relationships:
C. Holding the “third space” of contradiction. My point will be that secure functioning can exist whether a couple is working on improved coupling OR whether they are UNcoupling IF they together as a team can occupy the 3rd space in the either-or dialectic. This is an intersubjective space defined originally by psychoanalysts Ogden (19- ) later Benjamin (19- ), and then by Baxter (1988) and Montgomery (1988).
AGENDA:
INTRO: What is PACT? what is RDT? How these theories integrate to help couples decide to stay or to separate? (20 min)
ASSESSING: three main types of tensions that arise in relationships:
DECIDING: Secure functioning principles: Shared purpose, Theory of Mind, Mutual Regulation
Show video of Couple #2 (10 min.) and Q & A & discuss above criteria (30)
REFERRING (separation options): How to keep the Third Space of contradiction and loss
Show video of Couple #3 (10 min.) and Q & A & discuss above criteria (30)
Review & Summation. (20 min)
Final Q & A & discussion (20)
