When assessing a couple, which approach is typically used by a cognitive behavioral therapist?

The correct choice is establishing goals. In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist focuses on helping couples identify specific issues or problems and set realistic goals to address them. This approach is structured and problem-focused, with the intention of modifying unhelpful behaviors and thought patterns that may be affecting the couple’s relationship.

Cognitive behavioral therapists typically prioritize working collaboratively with couples to create measurable and attainable goals that guide the therapeutic process. This goal-oriented strategy emphasizes developing coping skills, improving communication patterns, and enhancing problem-solving abilities, which ultimately helps couples understand and resolve their conflicts more effectively.

Other approaches such as exploring family history, focusing on emotional expression, or investigating each spouse's stream of consciousness are more aligned with different therapeutic modalities. Exploring family history may be a part of family systems therapy, emphasizing the influence of family dynamics on the couple’s relationship. Focusing on emotional expression is often emphasized in emotionally focused therapy, which aims to create emotional bonds and improve intimacy. Investigating each spouse's stream of consciousness is more related to psychodynamic approaches that delve into unconscious processes, rather than the structured framework of cognitive behavioral therapy.