Couple conflicts and therapeutic interventions with gynecological patients

Different gynecological problems can be accompanied by couple conflicts: in fertility problems, transition to parenthood,antenatal and postpartum depre ssion,sexual problems, chronic pelvic pain and chronic vulvar pain syndrome ,cancer. In relation to couple conflicts different therapeutic approaches a re discu ssed: psychoanalytical therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy and pers on-centered therapy. The psychoanalytical concept concentrates on the coupl e as two individuals with their own biographies,which may lead to conflicts in their relationship. As a result therapy aims at the individual biograph y of each partner. Family therapy seeks to influence the partners to negoti ate and change their couple rules and communication rules through reflectio n and experimentation. Behavioral couple therapy focuses on exercises to im prove reciprocal activities, communication, conflict-resolution and problem -solving. Person-centered approaches aim at improving one's self-congruence in order to arrive at a clearer appreciation of the relationship to one's partner. The article shows that couple conflicts based on a bio-psycho-social model should be considered and treated in the beginning, during maintenance or as a consequence of gynecological symptoms.