In the 20 years since Helping Couples Change (Stuart, 1980) was written, a great deal of research and clinical practice has shed new light on therapy for couples. Although it would be useful to review this vast, evolving literature, space does not permit doing so here. Instead, using an approach terned principled pragmatism, this article will summarize some of the ways in which this new knowledge can be used to reshape intervention strategy and tactics. It will identify principles that have stood the test of time and suggest ways in which those that did notfare as well can be updated. Finally, a briefprotocol will be presented as one model of behaviorally oriented couples' therapy.
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