Enacting Relationships in MFT: The Empirical, Theoretical, and Clinical Case for Incorporating Enactments as Common Factors in the Best Practice Model

Keywords

enactments, theory, MFT best practice, common factors

Abstract

An epistemologically defensible “best practice” approach to MFT ideally represents a triangulation of theoretical, clinical, and empirical knowledge. This paper makes the theoretical, clinical, and empirical case for enactments as a “common factor” associated with positive MFT outcomes and the MFT best practice model. Enactments are therapist-coached and structured couple interaction episodes. Indications, stipulations, and contraindications for the use of enactments are considered, as well as common therapist obstacles to enactments. We conclude by inviting attention to gaps in the state-of-the-art conceptualization of enactments—both in terms of the static component model, and a dynamic developmental model.

Original Publication Citation

Gardner, B. C., & Butler, M. H.(2009). Enacting relationships in MFT: The empirical, theoretical, and clinical case for incorporating enactments as common factors in the best practice model. Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, 8(4),306-324.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2009-11-06

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7266

Publisher

Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS