Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) is an evidence-based treatment for relationship distress; this means that in research studies, this type of couple therapy has been proven to be effective at improving relationship satisfaction.

IBCT balances acceptance with change. Regardless of content of particular conflict, it states that distress in the relationship occurs because of four key factors:

Differences between partners (i.e. introvert versus extravert)
Emotional Sensitivities (i.e. history of trauma)
External Stressors (i.e. financial problems, parenting)
Patterns of Interaction (i.e. blaming and avoiding)

The goal in couple therapy is to 1) increase awareness and 2) facilitate acceptance of: differences and emotional sensitivities, 3) minimize distress related to external stressors and 4) change patterns of interaction.

These goals are achieved through a number of therapist-led interventions and the introduction of communication skills.

——————-

Christensen, A., Doss, B. D., & Jacobson, N. S. (2020). Integrative behavioral couple therapy: A therapist’s guide to creating acceptance and change. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 396 pp.

Most women experience dips in mood postpartum- you are not alone. Talking with an experienced therapist can be helpful for enduring the many transitions associated with giving birth. If you are experiencing perinatal depression, it is important to seek help for the wellbeing of yourself and your baby. Here are some differences between the common “baby blues” versus perinatal depression.

Perinatal depression (as many as 1 in 8 women):
Starts while pregnant/ following delivery
Can last up to a year following birth
Depressed mood/ lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Isolation
Thoughts about hurting self or baby
Intense anxiety
Feeling disconnected from baby
Fatigue even after sleeping
Hopelessness, guilt, anger
Insomnia

Baby Blues (as many as 4 in 5 women):
Starts days following delivery
Can last up to several weeks
Strong emotions, including happiness
Mood swings
Irritability
Anxiety, overwhelm
Problems with concentration
Feeling “off”
Difficulty sleeping

___________

mayoclinic.org

Mental illness impacts families. As many as 30-60% of people living with mental illnesses like severe major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia live with family members, however, as few as 10% of families receive resources or education.

Involving family in treatment has positive outcomes for the family and patient, including reduced hospitalizations, increased treatment adherence, and increased participation and satisfaction in treatment.

Inviting family members into mental health treatment is also associated with increased hope, empowerment and social functioning. These elements are central to recovery and can lead to increased self-efficacy in coping among family members.

Some effective treatments that involve family are:
Family Focused Therapy (Miklowitz and Goldstein 1997) and Behavioral Family Therapy (Mueser and Glynn 1999).

Both of these interventions focus on providing education about symptoms and the disorder, developing communication skills and problem solving around situations that may arise.

If you have a loved one struggling with mental illness or are struggling yourself, consider involving family to get the support you need.

____________

McFarlane, W. (2016) Family Interventions for Schizophrenia and the Psychoses: A Review. Family Process. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12235

Miklowitz DJ. (2004) The role of family systems in severe and recurrent psychiatric disorders: A developmental psychopathology view. Development and Psychopathology. 2004;16:667–688.

Murray-Swank, A. B., & Dixon, L. (2004). Family psychoeducation as an evidence-based practice. CNS Spectrums, 9(12), 905-912

Pfammatter, M., Junghan, U., & Brenner, H. (2006) Efficacy of Psychological Therapy in Schizophrenia: Conclusions From Meta-analyses. Schizophrenia Bulletin. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbl030

Pilling, S, Bebbington, P, Kuipers, E, et al. Psychological treatments in schizophrenia: II. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of social skills training and cognitive remediation. Psychol Med 2002. ;32783–791.

Pitschel-Walz, G., Leucht, S., Bäuml, J., Kissling, W., & Engel, R. R. (2001). The effect of family interventions on relapse and rehospitalization in schizophrenia—A meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 27(1), 73–92.