Couple Therapy for Depression

Shows the author's approach to treating couples in which one or both partners are experiencing depression. The cognitive-behavioral approach focuses on building relationship skills and behavioral patterns, as behavior can usually be changed more readily than emotions, and oftentimes a change in affect follows a change in behavior.

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In ""Couple Therapy for Depression"", Dr. Mark A. Whisman shows his approach to treating couples in which one or both partners are experiencing depression. His cognitive-behavioral approach focuses on building relationship skills and behavioral patterns, as behavior can usually be changed more readily than emotions, and oftentimes a change in affect follows a change in behavior. In this session, Dr. Whisman works with a married couple in which the husband has bipolar disorder and the wife is experiencing depression. Both partners are dealing with issues outside their marriage, including financial demands from ex-spouses. Dr. Whisman works with the couple on discerning the crux of their presenting issues, and then he introduces them to some problem-solving and communication skills so they might support each other more effectively.