Abstract

FARNOCHI, Gabriela Maldonado  and  GUANAES-LORENZI, Carla. 'So, let me see if I understood': Narratives of couples about their therapeutic process. Psicol. clin. [online]. 2022, vol.34, n.2, pp. 381-403. ISSN 0103-5665.  http://dx.doi.org/10.33208/PC1980-5438v0034n02A08.

Couple therapy is an important clinical resource and it can progress along different theoretical approaches. Recently, constructionist proposals have been used, focusing on a dialogical understanding of the therapeutic process. This study outlines the understanding of how couples who have undergone couple therapy under a social constructionist orientation narrate their therapeutic process. Six heterosexual couples were part of this study. Twelve open individual interviews were conducted, focusing on significant moments. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflective thematic analysis procedures. Three axes were built, promoting a procedural view of couple therapy: initial motivation; experiences during therapy; and changes achieved. The birth of children, conflicts and the need of dialogue were the reason couple therapy was sought. During therapy, the couples found a safe environment to talk about different points of view. As a result, they were able to develop empathy and build dialogic spaces at home. We conclude that the therapists' participation in the construction of a safe space for dialogue was essential for the good outcomes attained, functioning as a conversational model to be adopted by the couples in their daily life. Therefore, this research showcases the potential of constructionist couple therapy as a resource in contemporary clinic.

Keywords : couple therapy; therapeutic process; social constructionism.

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