This article highlights the important link between sibling experience and couples conflict. Several key themes of marital conflict are discussed: power and hierarchy, complementary role development, proximity-distance, fairness and justice, communication styles and conflict resolution, and friendship, loyalty, and altruism. It is suggested that by exploring these current themes and their historical antecedents, the couples counselor can help to propel partners from a state of disillusionment and conflict to one of acceptance, empathy, and true intimacy. By incorporating the exploration of sibling experience into a therapy process that conveys egalitarianism and warmth, the effectiveness of couples counseling can be greatly enhanced.
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