Enhancing behavioral couple therapy: Addressing the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity

The strengths and weaknesses of behavioral couple therapy (BCT) are well documented and disseminated, and this couple therapy approach continues to evolve. Newer behaviorally based approaches share an openness to integration and can enhance the ability of BCT to address three key process-related variables: the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity. Similarly, some nonbehavioral techniques fit the format of typical BCT sessions and can be integrated into a BCT framework; they can facilitate the couple's ability to benefit from BCT, and function to accomplish the same goals. Examples of interrelated usage of these techniques with a case example and relevant citations provide practical ways to enhance the ability of BCT to address the therapeutic alliance, hope, and diversity throughout treatment.