Abstract
Extends work of Mahler (1975) and Kaplan (1978) to the diagnosis of couples' systems. Identifies 5 couple stages: symbiotic-symbiotic; symbiotic-practicing; practicing-practicing; Mutual interdependence-mutual interdependence; and Synergistic-synergistic. Describes the characteristics of each system, and illustrates selected aspects from couple interviews. This model is used educationally with couples, and often becomes a facilitative tool for the couple. The model is suggested to facilitate the therapist's diagnosis and intervention selection.
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References
1.
Kaplan
L.
Oneness and separateness: From infant to individual . New York : Simon and Schuster , 1978 .
2.
Mahler
M.
,
Pine
F.
, &
Bergman
A.
The psychological birth of the human infant . New York , Basic Books, Inc.
1975 .