Discusses those couples in which each has reached a plateau in individual therapy and is referred for concurrent marital therapy to break the impasse. States that projective identification is the major defense used by these couples. Suggests a time-limited, issue-focused approach lasting two-six months. (Author/BH)

Presents a case where psychiatry and family therapy were used concurrently to treat a family disorder. The use of two modalities allowed the therapists to see the distress their prescriptions inflicted on the child. Concluded that family therapists should consider how their interventions affect young, vulnerable family members. (BH)