ABSTRACT
This activity is informed both by an intergenerational approach and emotionally focused therapy. It is particularly important for the therapist o remove himself or herself from the position of fielding complaints from one or both members of a couple, and to encourage differentiation via direct communication between two people whose anxiety level is moderate (Kerr & Bowen, 1988). The therapist recognizes that clients who have complaints about a partner yet have difficulty sharing complaints with that partner may need some guidance in emotionally reconnecting. Thus the therapist detriangulates himself or herself, while encouraging partners to directly communicate the feelings behind the complaints they have about each other. The therapist assists couples in accessing emotions that accompany the initial complaint. Focusing on emotions helps the couple work through issues while maintaining and strengthening the couple's bond (Johnson, 1996).
