Here we get to the core of every model:  couple interaction patterns. However, not every model proposes that the pattern to be expressed aloud to get the couple's buy in.

The Doherty Approach is tightly focused on interactions and on clients' personal desire to change their part of the pattern. We've identified 20 interaction patterns--not just the 2 or 3 generally emphasized in the field.    

Here is the goalpost for launching a contract for couples therapy by the end of the first session, or the second at the latest:

1. Did I quickly uncover at least one of their main patterns in the first session?

2. Do they both signal "Yes, that sounds like me and us."

3. Have I shared the general approach I'd take to the therapy and gotten their buy-in?