Couples in Collusion

In clear, precise prose, insightful case studies, and thought-provoking discussion questions, Couples in Collusion lays out guidelines for identifying, understanding, and, dealing with the unspoken agreements and collusive systems that couples build up over time. Clinicians will find each chapter replete with concrete strategies they can use in practice as well as thorough explanations of the assessment tools, suggestions on how to use them, and even advice on how to build the tools' costs into clinicians' limited budgets.

Dennis A. Bagarozzi, PhD, MSW, is a psychologist, family therapist, and an AAMFT-approved supervisor and fellow. He has authored 7 books and more than 70 articles and book chapters. He is also editor of the "Family Measurement Techniques" section of the American Journal of Family Therapy.

Series Editor's Foreword. Introduction. A Couple's Presentation as a Collusive Defense. Marital Structure, Interactive Dynamics, and the Self. Assessment: Theoretical and Practical Considerations. Revisiting the Presenting Problem as a Collusive Defense: Treatment Guidelines and Case Studies. Acting Out and Monitoring and Restraining: An Overview. Acting Out: Case Examples and Treatment. Monitoring and Restraining: Case Example and Treatment. Complementary Defensive Systems: Couple Mythologies. Further Assessment Considerations: Primitive Defenses in Borderline and Narcissistic Disorders. Working With Primitive Defenses in Couples' Therapy: Case Examples of Borderline and Narcissistic Dynamics. Epilogue. Appendix A: Follow-Up Questionnaire. Appendix B: Relationship Problems Questionnaire. Appendix C: Speaker's Guidelines. References.