scholarly journals Couple Therapy With MDMA—Proposed Pathways of Action

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Relational Context ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Theoretical Paper

MDMA's first identified potential as a therapeutic catalyst was for couple therapy. Early work in the 1970s and 1980s explored its potential amongst seasoned psychotherapists and their clients. With the completion of the first pilot trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with couples for PTSD, and as the possibility of conducting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trials expands due to new regulatory frameworks, we have an opportunity to explore and investigate how and why MDMA-assisted couples therapy works. This theoretical paper will explore the neurobiological and neurochemical effects of MDMA in a relational context, the emotional, behavioral, cognitive and somatic effects within a dyadic frame, and how empathy, communication, perception of social connection/support, non-avoidance, openness, attachment/safety, bonding/social intimacy and relationship satisfaction, are all impacted by MDMA, and can be harnessed to facilitate systems-level and interpersonal healing and growth. A model to support MDMA-assisted couple therapy is introduced, and future directions, including implications for intervention development and delivery, will be elucidated.

scholarly journals Violent Couples Seeking Therapy: Bilateral and Unilateral Violence

Partner Abuse ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea A. Madsen ◽  
Sandra M. Stith ◽  
Cynthia J. Thomsen ◽  
Eric E. McCollum
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Conflict Theory ◽  
Psychological Aggression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Male Violence ◽  
Female Violence

Little information is available about couples experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) who voluntarily seek couples therapy. We examined the characteristics of 129 couples who sought therapy for IPV to learn more about this population. A majority of the sample, 74%, experienced bilateral physical violence, 16% experienced unilateral male violence, and 5% experienced unilateral female violence. Conflict theory is used to explain the finding that couples experiencing bilateral violence reported higher levels of physical violence and injury than did those experiencing unilateral violence. Bilaterally violent couples also experienced more jealousy and psychological aggression and less relationship satisfaction than either group of unilaterally violent couples. Implications and suggestions for clinicians are offered, as well as ideas for future research.

Humor in Couple Relationships: An Opportunity for Therapeutic Inquiry

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Wendy Talbot
Keyword(s):  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Relationship Development ◽  
Discursive Practice ◽  
Couple Relationship ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Relational Practice ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Therapeutic Possibilities

Humor has been a focus of therapy literature for over a century and is considered an essential communication tool and important component of therapeutic relationships. Yet couple therapy literature does not feature humor as a relational practice or strategy for couples’ relationship development. When humor presents in a therapy conversation it offers opportunities for therapists to explore the implications and meanings for the couple relationship, potentially contributing to new and enhanced relationship experience. This article provides vignettes from one couple therapy conversation to illustrate therapeutic possibilities for exploration of couples’ humor. Therapists are encouraged to pay attention to humor as a complex, dynamic, discursive practice with therapeutic benefits for couples’ therapy.

scholarly journals An Avatar-Led Digital Smoking Cessation Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults: Intervention Development and Results of a Single-Arm Pilot Trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaimee L Heffner ◽  
Noreen L Watson ◽  
Edit Serfozo ◽  
Megan M Kelly ◽  
Erin D Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Gender Minority ◽  
Tobacco Treatment ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minority ◽  
Biochemical Testing ◽  
And Gender

BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minority young adults have a high prevalence of smoking and unique barriers to accessing tobacco treatment. OBJECTIVE To address these challenges as well as their preferences for sexual and gender minority–targeted interventions and digital programs, we developed and evaluated the acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and impact on theory-based change processes of an acceptance and commitment therapy–based digital program called Empowered, Queer, Quitting, and Living (EQQUAL). METHODS Participants (n=22) of a single-arm trial conducted to evaluate the program were young adults, age 18 to 30 years, who self-identified as sexual and gender minority individuals and smoked at least one cigarette per day. All participants received access to the EQQUAL program. Participants completed web-based surveys at baseline and at a follow-up 2 months after enrollment. We verified self-reported smoking abstinence with biochemical testing; missing data were counted as smoking or using tobacco. RESULTS For young adults who logged in at least once (n=18), the mean number of log-ins was 5.5 (SD 3.6), mean number of sessions completed was 3.1 (SD 2.6), and 39% (7/18) completed all 6 sessions. Overall, 93% of participants (14/15) were satisfied with the EQQUAL program, 100% (15/15) found it easy to use, and 100% (15/15) said it helped them be clearer about how to quit. Abstinence from smoking or using tobacco was confirmed with biochemical testing for 23% of participants (5/22). Both quantitative and qualitative results suggested a positive overall response to the avatar guide, with areas for future improvement largely centered on the avatar’s appearance and movements. CONCLUSIONS Treatment acceptability of EQQUAL was very promising. The rate of abstinence, which was biochemically confirmed, was 3 times higher than that of the only other digital program to date that has targeted sexual and gender minority young adults and 6 to 13 times higher than those of nontargeted digital smoking interventions among sexual and gender minority young adults. Planned improvements for the next iteration of the program include making the avatar’s movements more natural; offering multiple avatar guides with different on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, and gender identity from which to choose; and providing a support forum for users to connect anonymously with peers.

Two-Year Follow-up Outcomes in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: An Investigation of Relationship Satisfaction and Attachment Trajectories

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Wiebe ◽  
Susan M. Johnson ◽  
Marie-France Lafontaine ◽  
Melissa Burgess Moser ◽  
Tracy L. Dalgleish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy ◽  
Emotionally Focused

Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Fals-Stewart ◽  
Timothy J. O’Farrell ◽  
Gary R. Birchler ◽  
James Córdova ◽  
Michelle L. Kelley
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Substance Abusing ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Behavioral Couples Therapy

Among the various types of couple and family therapies used to treat substance abuse, Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) has the strongest empirical support for its effectiveness. During the last 3 decades, multiple studies have consistently found participation in BCT by married or cohabiting substance-abusing patients results in significant reductions in substance use, decreased problems related to substance use (e.g., job loss, hospitalization), and improved relationship satisfaction. Recently, investigations exploring other outcomes have found that, compared to traditional individual-based treatments, participation in BCT results in significantly (a) higher reductions in partner violence, (b) greater improvements in psychosocial functioning of children who live with parents who receive the intervention, and (c) better cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness. In addition to providing an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of BCT, methods used with this intervention, and the literature supporting its use, this article also examines the future directions of BCT research for substance abuse.

scholarly journals Adult attachment and relationship satisfaction: The mediating role of gratitude toward the partner

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3875-3886 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manja Vollmann ◽  
Sem Sprang ◽  
Femke van den Brink
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Attachment Anxiety ◽  
Attachment Avoidance ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Previous research indicated that insecure attachment, that is, higher levels of attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety, is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. The present study investigated the mediating role of gratitude toward the partner in this association. In a cross-sectional design, 362 participants (84% female, age range 18–70 years) involved in a romantic relationship completed an online questionnaire assessing attachment avoidance and anxiety, gratitude toward the partner, and relationship satisfaction. Data were analyzed by means of regression and bootstrap analyses. The regression analysis revealed significant negative total and direct effects of both avoidance and anxiety on relationship satisfaction. The bootstrap analyses revealed a significant negative indirect effect of avoidance, but not anxiety, on relationship satisfaction via gratitude toward the partner. Specifically, higher levels of avoidant attachment were related to less gratitude toward the partner, which in turn was associated with lower relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that it might be valuable applying gratitude interventions to clients high in attachment avoidance attending couples therapy.

Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
New Science ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Timely Review ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Effective Conservation

The publication of Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna nearly 20 years ago introduced the new science of ‘reintroduction biology’. Since then, there have been vast changes in our understanding of the process of reintroductions and other conservation-driven translocations, and corresponding changes in regulatory frameworks governing translocations. Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna is a timely review of our understanding of translocation from an Australasian perspective, ensuring translocation becomes an increasingly effective conservation management strategy in the future. Written by experts, including reintroduction practitioners, researchers and policy makers, the book includes extensive practical advice and example case studies, identifies emerging themes and suggests future directions. Conservation practitioners and researchers, as well as conservation management agencies and NGOs will find the book a valuable resource. Although it is based on Australasian examples, it will be of interest globally due to synergies with reintroduction programs throughout the world. 2015 Whitley Awards Certificate of Commendation for Conservation Biology.

scholarly journals Facilitating treatment engagement for early psychosis through peer-delivered decision support: intervention development and protocol for pilot evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Thomas ◽  
John Suarez ◽  
Alicia Lucksted ◽  
Laura A. Siminoff ◽  
Irene Hurford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Early Psychosis ◽  
Coaching Intervention ◽  
Service Engagement ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Emerging adults with early psychosis demonstrate high rates of service disengagement from critical early intervention services. Decision support interventions and peer support have both been shown to enhance service engagement but are understudied in this population. The purposes of this article are to describe the development of a novel peer-delivered decision coaching intervention for this population and to report plans for a pilot study designed to gather preliminary data about its feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact. Methods The intervention was developed based on formative qualitative data and in collaboration with a diverse team of researchers, key stakeholders, and expert consultants. The pilot trial will utilize a single-group (N = 20), pre-post, convergent mixed-methods design to explore whether and how the intervention addresses decision-making needs (the primary intervention target). The impact of the intervention on secondary outcomes (e.g., engagement in the program) will also be assessed. Additionally, through observation and feedback from the peer decision coach and study participants, we will evaluate the feasibility of research and intervention procedures, and the acceptability of information and support from the peer decision coach. Discussion The peer-delivered decision coaching intervention holds promise for assisting young people with making informed and values-consistent decisions about their care, and potentially enhancing service engagement within this traditionally difficult-to-engage population. If the intervention demonstrates feasibility and acceptability, and pilot data show its potential for improving treatment decision-making, our work will also lay the foundation for a new evidence base regarding roles for peer specialists on early intervention teams. Trial registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04532034) on 28 August 2020 as Temple University Protocol Record 261047, Facilitating Engagement in Evidence-Based Treatment for Early Psychosis.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy and Self-compassion-based Therapy On Emotion Regulation In Women Affected by Infidelity

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-143
Author(s):  
Zohreh Teymouri ◽  
◽  
Mina Mojtabaei ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Reza Rezazadeh ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Couples Therapy ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
Duration Of Treatment ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Marital Infidelity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Background: Marital infidelity is a crisis for couples and families. identifying an effective treatment approach at the lowest cost can be effective in preventing and intervening in injuries caused by infidelity. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of emotion-based couple therapy and self-compassion-based therapy on emotion regulation in women affected by infidelity. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was designed as pre-test-post-test with follow-up. The study population included all couples involved in marital infidelity who referred to Iranmehr Counseling and Psychological Services Center in Rasht, Iran in 2020, from which 20 couples were selected as the sample by available sampling method. Granfsky emotion regulation questionnaire was used to collect data and emotion-focused couple therapy sessions and self-compassion-based therapy were performed for 16 sessions of 4 hours (one treatment every two hours) on a weekly basis. After three months of treatment sessions, couples also participated in a follow-up session in order to measure the duration of treatment. Data were analyzed using combined analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that both therapies are effective in increasing the emotional regulation of couples, but there is no significant difference between emotion-oriented couples therapy and compassion-based therapy on emotion regulation (F = 1.57 and P = 0.218). Conclusion: Both treatment approaches in counseling centers were very effective in helping incompatible couples to improve and reduce marital problems, increasing satisfaction, especially in couples affected by infidelit

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