Couples and Cognitive Behavioral Perspective Case Study
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Alexis and Chris have been married for 3 years and initiated counseling to address lack of sexual intimacy in the relationship. Chris and Alexis report that, in the beginning of their relationship, they had an active sex life, having intercourse at least five times a week. However, for the last 3 months "things have changed." Chris and Alexis state that they have not been sexually intimate for 2 months and that they would like to increase frequency.
- How would the presenting problem be conceptualized from this perspective?
- What would be some examples of interventions from this perspective?
- Describe the role of the counselor from this perspective.
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Solution Summary
This solution address marital sexual problems in a specific couple relationship from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective. 1233 words including references.
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(1) How would the presenting problem be conceptualized from this perspective?
In counseling with couples, counselors are aware that the problem is not just focused on the individual, but the relationship itself. Studies indicate that marital conflicts are understood as the difficulties in the relationship among its members, particularly in cases where sexual activity is involve. Continuous and regular sexual behavior that occurs in couples helps the couples to be able to establish mutual love (1449). In addition, the lack of warmth and empathy, and exchange of emotions emerge from couples who suffer sexual in activities (Sasapour, 2011). Research suggests that the common feature of the couples who refer to medical clinics is that, they have encountered problems in their sexual lives (Besharat, 1998 as cited in Sasapour, 2011). Moreover, ideal sexual activity is essential for establishing a family basis and a basis to obtain an established culture (Jahanfar &et al., 2006 as cited in Sasapour, 2011).
As an intervention strategy, a counselor/practitioner has to focus on the beliefs that each partner has about themselves, and each other as it relates to their marriage. For example, according to Corey (2005), the focus can be on the beliefs that each partner draws from his or her family of origin. and how these beliefs are influencing the present marital relationship. Further, in investigating how their current marital interactions may rest on those particular beliefs derived from their families of origin is beneficial in helping couples to solve their problems. The counselor relates to both individuals and their interrelationships. Thus, in developing a plan from a cognitive perspective for this couple, the therapist would examine the cognitive changes that have taken place considering what has caused the problem or conflict. For example, how the partners think about each other is examined, and /or their perception of the other.
*Case Study
Alexis and Chris have been married for 3 years and initiated counseling to address lack of sexual intimacy in the relationship. Chris and ...
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