Integrated Behavioural Couples Therapy (IBCT)

Couples therapy is a form of treatment that entails seeing both partners together rather than singly.
There are different forms of therapies for couples. They include;
a) Emotion-focused couple therapy
b) Strategic couple therapy
c) Insight-oriented couple therapy
d) Behavioural Couple therapy
Behavioural Couples therapy (BCT) is a form of behavior therapy that is rooted in Social Learning theory. 7/(1)
Integrated Behavioural Couples Therapy (IBCT) 7/(1) is a relatively new form of couples therapy. It is an offshoot of Traditional Behavioural Couples Therapy (TBCT), though unlike TBCT, it focuses more on emotional acceptance. 14/(2) This has produced a more advantageous effect to couples and is more lasting than TBCT.
Components of IBCT
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The evaluation phase consists of 4 sessions. The first session is where the couple meets with the therapist in order to get to know more about them. In the next 2 sessions, they meet individually with the therapist; he interacts with them to know the extent of each partner’s contribution to the problem. The last session is where he gives them feedback, formulates the problem after which the couple decide if they want to continue the treatment process with him.9/(3)
BENEFITS OF IBCT
1. IBCT helps couples gain a better understanding of each other’s emotion. It focuses on emotional conditions of each partner and works towards greater assessment and intimacy in couples so they can make carefully thought out changes.4
2. Improved ability to resolve conflicts. Since solutions weren’t handed to them from a manual, they are able to address problems in future without referring to the therapist
3. Decrease in blaming the other person for the problems in the relationship. This is because in IBCT, emphasis is removed from the individuals and placed on the problem. The couple can then address the problem in a more mature

Greater ability and willingness to work together on issues
7. Increased communication skills. IBCT also focuses on improving communication, which is initiated in the first session and continues in the treatment phase.
8. Increased awareness of the impact of one’s actions or words on the other and the willingness to take responsibility for his/her role in conflicts when they arise.4
LIMITATIONS OF IBCT
1. As with other forms of therapy, there’s the possibility of couples separating, even after treatment, bringing about a situation whereby either partner may feel that he/she has failed. Also, one or both partners could consider the process a waste of time and will be reluctant to seek help in future
2. Though research has revealed that it is an effective form of therapy, IBCT cannot be used in all situations if there’s a more urgent issue that’s affecting the relationship which needs to be addressed before commencing therapy. They include:
a. Domestic violence: If one partner is in constant fear of the other, it will be impossible for the couple to participate in IBCT
b. Infidelity: IBCT can address the problems caused by a past affair but if one or both partners is currently having an affair, there’s no point as the therapy won’t yield positive