dc.description.abstract | Relying on the theory of Gestalt therapy, in this study we sequenced in-session couple
dynamics aiming to identify aspects of communication that facilitate or hinder constructive
exchange. Initially, we identified five phases of a contact episode, each of which has several
variations: (a) Emergence of a need, (b) Habitual attempt to satisfy the need, (c) Impasse, (d)
Novelty and regression, and (e) Constructive dialogical relationship. These phases are
tentatively successive, i.e., there are regularities in their appearance. However, deviations in
their progression were observed, which could be utilized in process diagnostics in the initial
stage of couple therapy. Mapping these irregularities is the aim of this paper. The participants
were six heterosexual couples (29–45 years old, ≥2 years together, 5 without children). The
data was collected through videotaping the 2nd therapy session. The material for the analysis
were contact episodes: couple interaction regarding the self-selected topic, during which the
therapist assumed the observer role. Thematic analysis was applied by the authors, with the
interpretation based on a dialogical approach and theory of Gestalt therapy. The first variability
is that the appearance of the latter phases is not mandatory (e.g., unwavering defensiveness
keeps the partners in the third phase, Impasse). Second, the order of the phases is not certain
(e.g., the prominent power imbalance within the couple leads to skipping the Impasse). Third,
the duration of the phases is not uniform (e.g., deflection prolongs the Emergence of a need
phase). Fourth, the contact episode development is characterized by circularity, i.e., returning
to previous stages (e.g., when partners are unequally ready for novelty, they create back-and-forth
movement: one introduces constructive dialogue characteristic of later stages, the other
contributes to regressing and reenacting the scheme). Fifth, if a couple has two contact episodes
within the same session, their course may differ: in the second episode, the initial stages are
condensed or completely skipped, and the couple begins the exchange with a rapid jump to
chronologically later stages (e.g., to the Impasse – repeating their scheme until exhaustion is
reached). Finally, particular variations of one phase are more often paired with specific
variations of other phases of the contact episode. The findings contribute to the therapists'
efforts to fine-tune their interventions to the here-and-now developments in order to facilitate
the supportive aspects of dialogical relationship. | sr |