Children in Couple and Family Therapy

Introduction

So integral are children to couple and family dynamics; it is no surprise that they have been integral part of the therapy process as well, their role and focus evolving alongside the field itself. By definition children are not physically part of the couple therapy, but that doesn’t mean that children are not often the initial focus. Many couple therapists have had the experience of couples presenting with child issues only to shift focus in the third session and talk about the real concern, namely, issues in their intimate relationship; the child’s problems were a comfortable initial focus, allowing the couple time to feel settled and safe before marching into more contentious territory. Other times the couple comes into therapy seeking help with parenting skills or reconciling differences in values and style. In family therapy, children are, by definition, the primary focus, present in the room in various combinations depending on the clinician’s own therapeutic...