The work on couples in Gestalt therapy

(This image is taken from the site: http://www.figliefamiglia.it/2011/09/piu-giovani-e-colti-entrambi-lavoratori-e-residenti-nel-nord-est-in-crescita-le-coppie-di-fatto).

There are three fundamental objectives that guide the clinical work with couples. First of all the partner must acquire the ability to see the consort diversity (M. Spagnuolo Lobb, The now for the next in Psychotherapy - Gestalt therapy told in the post-modern society, Franco Angeli, 2011).

In addition, the patient must be able to make a distinction. He should in fact discriminate between the desire for contact from the partner and the feelings of pain and anger elicited by this desire.

Finally, the members of the couple must learn to trust each other. In this way, the patient will become able to respond to the desire of the other person (Spagnuolo Lobb M., 2011).

The ability to see the other's diversity requires special knowledge. The patient must be familiar with the experience of the partner in the family of origin. This experience represents the background that influences the partner in the choices and difficulties of the present.

Each partner is looking to get to the other member. At the same time, however, the partner is afraid of not being understood in this wish. The patient must understand the desire of the partner. He must also recognize the fear that accompanies this desire. This will allow him to recognize the partner and to welcome him. This awareness also allows the partners to differentiate themselves.

The ultimate goal is that the patient must be able to change. Often, however, fear can block the change. That is why the couple must learn to play. This allows the couple to stay together as if the drama did not exist (M. Spagnuolo Lobb, 2011).