5How Are the Psychodynamic and Systems Models of Couples Therapy

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The Answer is Psychodynamic models focus on early relationship dynamics and how they influence later behavior. In contrast, systems models focus on current interaction patterns. Psychodynamic perspectives see relationship problems arising from the individual pathologies of the partner rather than how patterns and rules for behavior have become rigid and maladaptive, as in the systems perspective. In psychodynamic perspectives, relationships are guided by unconscious motivations, whereas from a systems perspective, problems arise from unstated and rigidly applied relationship rules. Psychodynamic perspectives aim to bring unconscious material to light and help couples gain insight, which is thought to improve relationship satisfaction. In contrast, in a systems perspective, insight is insufficient to create change, so the establishment of new rules and the disruption of maladaptive behavior cycles are required.

5How Are the Psychodynamic and Systems Models of Couples Therapy

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