The Role of Interpretation in the Assessment Phase of Couple Psychoanalysis

Interpretation is a fundamental component of psychoanalytic interventions with couples, yet where and how it is used varies widely. In this article, we make a case for its use in the assessment of couples. The authors regard assessment as a process directed at understanding the nature of the couple's presenting problem from a psychoanalytic perspective, a means of exploring a couple's ability to benefit from psychoanalytic treatment, and determining their level of psychic functioning and associated defences. These issues are illustrated in material from a conjoint couple assessment, arguing with reference to this material, that as an intervention, interpretation is an important and effective aspect of the couple assessment process, particularly when seen as iterative and stemming from an evolving container–contained relationship. We also highlight the unique challenges faced in the conjoint assessment of a couple and the use of our related concept of a mutative couple interpretation and the technique of reflective interpretation.