A Gestalt model of domains in couple’s work: a qualitative, theory-building case study

This is a theory-building, qualitative case study in the field of couple therapy, based on a Gestalt phenomenological and relational methodology. I propose a new Gestalt Model of Domains in Couple’s Work (GMoD) to develop and improve clinical practice. The research explores the co-created stagnation in couples’ relationships and how the GMoD can be used to grade therapeutic interventions in order to support the couple to attempt new ways of contacting and being with each other.
Six Gestalt therapists each conducted couple therapy with two couples. These therapists were supervised by the researcher supervisor. The supervision sessions were videoed after the first and third couple therapy session. After the fifth and final couple therapy session of the research project, the therapists met with the researcher in a videoed focus group dialogue. All videos were transcribed and analysed using Relational Thematic Analysis and NVivo. The outcome of the analysis and the focus group dialogue helped to build the theoretical frame for implementing the GMoD within the relational Gestalt method for couple therapy. The planned products include an advanced training program at the Norwegian Gestalt Institute, a book on Gestalt couple therapy, publications of articles and presentations at research seminars and post-doctorate research using a single-case timed series efficacy study and a longitudinal qualitative case study.