Treating Situational Couple Aggression: An Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy Approach

Situational couple aggression is common; most couples who seek conjoint treatment report at least some instances of aggression. Modern couple therapy research provides support for the safe and effective use of conjoint treatment with situationally aggressive couples; however, many clinicians feel ill equipped to assess and treat aggression via relational therapy. We propose that integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) offers a uniquely suited lens for working with couples who participate in situational aggression. With an integrated case study to illustrate principles, we walk therapists through each aspect of assessment and treatment using IBCT to treat relational aggression. This paper provides a comprehensive resource for couple therapists using IBCT to treat situationally aggressive couples.