IndexIntroductionMain causes of couple conflictTraditional couple therapy vs art therapyCouple art therapy techniques and facilitationsConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe research paper will examine the level of effectiveness of expressive art therapy to act as a facilitator to resolve relational conflicts through various artistic interventions that include family portraits, drawings, clay and genogram. The analysis would be conducted to investigate the functions performed by the artistic intervention and the facilitation process. Then, compared to the traditional couple therapy model, we explore the benefits of art therapy in an attempt to illustrate the usefulness when working with couples with conflicts in terms of attachment theory, communication style and conflict theory. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Main Causes of Couple Conflicts Conflicts generally arise from discrepancies in perception and needs between two sexes. According to Gottman (2008), this causes misunderstanding, anger, dissatisfaction, emotional withdrawal, etc. (Gottman, 2008). There are numerous influences that can cause conflict between couples. First, insecure attachment styles to adult relationships. Hazan and Shaver indicated that variations in early social experiences would generate totally different relationship styles; furthermore, it is suggested that attachment styles developed as children are very relevant to the loving relationship after growing up (Hazan & Shaver, 1987; Shaver & Hazan, 1988; Shaver, Hazan, & Bradshaw, 1988). Specifically, “avoidants” have difficulty establishing trust with others, and “anxious-ambivalents” are more likely to report a lack of independence and a desire for deep commitment in relationships (Feeney & Noller, 1990). Therefore, people with an insecure attachment style are more likely to amplify unfulfilled hopes, self-conscious anxiety, and personal and social self-esteem; Meanwhile, it contains frequent and intense communication problems such as misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations, resentment, criticism (Holman & Jarvis, 2003). Therefore, mismatched conflict styles lead to high conflict involvement. For example, one partner would be emotionally overwhelmed due to the increased degree of intensity and frequency of maladjustments. Thus, it would cause various negative outcomes in the couple, such as less relationship stability and less relationship satisfaction (Busby & Holman, 2009). More importantly, Gottman (1994) proposed that relationship conflicts are most likely caused by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse theory. If couples frequently “complain” and “criticize” their spouse, this will lead to the “contempt” of the second knight and the “defensiveness” of the third knight respectively. Ultimately, the result is the fourth horseman's obstructionism (Gottman, 1994). Since criticism is always accompanied by expressions of contempt as disrespectful communication, an individual's defensive attitude will increase to protect one's interests. They certainly deny responsibility while excusing unfavorable behavior and reacting to complaints with counter-complaints; stonewalling will therefore lead to emotional alienation from conflictual interactions (Levenson, Carstensen, & Gottman, 1994). Although some of the individuals who stonewall often reveal themselves to display calm, rationality, and objectivity, in reality they implicitly express their arrogance and dissatisfaction (Canary & Cupach, 1988). Traditional couple therapy vs art therapy To alleviate and resolve conflicts, it is necessary toincrease awareness of the problem in the couple's clients, increase empathy between them and develop new solutions together. In the traditional therapeutic process, couples primarily seek couples therapy to resolve their conflicts. However, especially the communicative expression of Chinese communication tends to be more implicit and concerned with losing face. Individuals tend not to address and solve the problem as they would avoid discussing the problems. Even under the guidance of a therapist, they may be nervous and afraid to tell everything to the therapist without hiding it. Alternative counseling approaches such as art therapy can facilitate the counseling process and avoid the above problem. Subsequently, couples are more likely to develop a balanced awareness of their partners' strengths and weaknesses during the counseling process. (Gurman, Lebow & Snyder, 2015). Art therapy could help improve the findings among the above aspects. On the one hand, couple therapists typically show minimal interest in a couple's overall interaction patterns and tend to emphasize resolution of the outcome of the presenting problems (Pinsof, 1995). On the other hand, art therapy is more likely to focus on the process that can provide new insights into the healing process. Problems arise in a relationship most likely due to past beliefs, assigned roles, and different points of view between two people. Artistic expressions contain unlimited variations that allow individuals to associate and express themselves freely. Conflict issues become visible when turning abstract words into material that can be altered (Riley, 1994). Furthermore, Landgarten (1981) stated that joint art therapy can help couples re-examine the roles in their relationship, creative value for them; meanwhile, they significantly improve the achievement of couple goals compared to the conventional mode of couple therapy (Landgarten, 1981). Furthermore, visual images of interpersonal problems represent several rigid patterns of behavior. Increasing awareness facilitates a new style of communication; while it is beneficial to establish therapeutic goals and create a treatment plan (Shalmon, McLaughlin & Keefler, 2012). The use of art therapy techniques provides an additional means of communication and expression. The images that couples create and react to are spontaneous and genuine. They are less protected by defense mechanisms than traditional verbal expressions because the art created and processed in therapy can reflect the unconscious (Wadeson, 1980). Additionally, it is known that collaboration in creative expression can increase a couple's ability to handle adversity and difficulty. Together. A study has shown that metaphor and the creative expression of meaning are practiced to promote the connection between the couple towards external difficulties. It demonstrates that the co-construction of art is useful for strengthening mutual resilience, hope, togetherness, sense of accomplishment, etc. (White & Epston, 1990). The couple who received art therapy are more likely to improve their reconstruction and also develop new perspectives (Fergus, Ahmad, Lanakieva, McLeod & Carter, 2017). Precisely creating more products helps to externalize the problem and talk about the experience (Skerrett, 2003). As the pair explores externalized visual expressions in their artistic products, it offers the opportunity to cast a mutual exploratory vision of each circumstance. Using reflection and tracing techniques, a variety of alternative meanings would be revealed (Riley & Malchiodi, 1994). Therefore, customers are more likely to see the same thing from different perspectivesevent after the trial. This is important for resolving the couple's conflicts. Couples Art Therapy Techniques and Facilitation There are a number of art-based assessments commonly used in art therapy that help gain insight into individual characteristics and relationship structure. For example, family portraits, drawings, clay and genograms. The work of art can raise people's awareness by building the bridge between reality and the message of the artistic product; building positive therapeutic relationships quickly and effectively (Ricco, 2007). Likewise, the healing process is more likely to be completed successfully under the base. By working together, therapists directly observe the couple's nonverbal behaviors, interactional patterns, and boundaries and can reveal patterns of dominance, decision making, cooperation, levels of task involvement, as well as levels of interpersonal involvement between couples (Wadeson, 1980). Likewise, through the metaphors originated, the therapist is likely to gain empathy and understanding of the client's perception of the world. Despite the inconsistency between the content of the artistic products and the behaviors observed by therapists, it is still effective in increasing clients' awareness (Fergus, Ahmad, Lanakieva, McLeod & Carter, 2017). Certainly, customers will be asked to state some meanings or share their point of view when looking at another's drawing later (Halford, 2001). The process emphasized mutual perceptions, misperceptions, and projections. Because the couple is forced to listen to how their partner interprets and projects meaning into their art, they can better explore the meaning of their spouse's image (Kaiser & Deaver, 2009). Furthermore, it helps extend the examination of the inconsistency between the intentions underlying one's behaviors and how these behaviors are interpreted by others. It is an effective intervention when used with couples to improve understanding of each other's thoughts and feelings (Snir & Wiseman, 2010). Specifically, the representation unconsciously creates a symbol of the problem. It also increases communication between couples as they are probably unable to understand their partner's drawing. This exercise can serve as a way to start a dialogue around the misconception couples often have and can learn more about their partner's thoughts and feelings about the relationship. Meanwhile, recognize the importance of listening in communications (Sori & Hecker, 2007). The change is actually completed through cutting and shaping the double design. Drawings play an extremely important role in facilitating communications. For example, “Draw a Couple in the Rain” simplifies dialogue, discussion, and communication between the couple (Lantz & Alford, 1995) and helps expose relationship problems and the potential meanings that accompany them. Metaphors are able to demonstrate aspects of strength and weakness in their relationship. As for the “Two Pines in a Forest Technique”, it strengthens reflection and discussion on communication, structural issues and cohesion-independence issues (Lantz & Alford, 1995). Furthermore, the “Draw the House of the Future” technique is also suitable for couples entering different phases of their relationship. The house implies the future, so it increases reflection and discussion about the couple's goals, hopes, ideals and dreams. After the process, greater mutual understanding will be achieved. Beyond this, playing with the dirt gave the couple a dynamic vehicle to demonstrate concretely unresolved internal anxieties (Shalmon, McLaughlin & Keefler, 2012). Customers are required toplace their clay figures relative to each other at a comfortable distance. They must choose a moderate distance called the comfort zone. After the activity, couples are likely to agree that “the numbers will stay put until next week,” meaning that the tension will not go away unless they manage it with concrete actions (Halford, 2001). Explicitly, three-dimensional media are intended for movement, metaphorically redefining conflicting issues through the exchange of colors (Riley, 2003). It provides couples with a better understanding of their transactions and has become a model that influences a romantic relationship. Meanwhile, explore a more appropriate communication pattern to improve the relationship. Last but not least, the art therapy genogram is widely used during the couple therapy session because the couple relationship is most likely formed by the primary relationship and the attachment. That is, prototype. The pattern of interaction within the family likely builds different feelings and value systems. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the way to resolve conflicts is a learned behavior and, in most cases, begins by observing the models of the family of origin. Couples in difficulty focus on negative perceptions regarding mutual dialogue and behavior (Ricco, 2007). Once negative family-of-origin influences on communication patterns are identified, relationship problems are more likely to arise. Therefore, the clinician would help identify key figures in each family of origin, formative events from each family's past, and marriage history. Dynamic signs indicate closeness and distance with crucial family members and within two lovers; in the meantime, try to understand the merger or separation that likely affects the boundary around the marriage; also investigate repetitive patterns (Riley, 2003). During the activities, the couple would be asked to talk about the problem and how each spouse perceives its origin, meaning, and sequence (Gurman, Lebow & Snyder, 2015). Next, the client would be asked to individually portray generational relationships and patterns using colors and images to expand the content of the symbols (McGoldrick & Gerson, 1985). Color-coded behaviors examine a couple's traits and behaviors (Bobes & Rothman, 1998). Therefore, it is possible to achieve a deeper understanding of each other's family in terms of behavioral patterns and relationships across generations, as well as the emotional climate of their family (Riley & Malchiodi, 1994). It is necessary to expand the relationship and awareness of patterns through observation through the genogram. Additionally, the two can see how their families' interactions were similar and differed. Therefore, they can develop new solutions regarding the couple's struggle. Conclusion Simply put, artistic expression opens the door to substantive relationships where couples find alternative solutions to their conflicts and produce a more favorable outcome. Art therapy acts as alternative variations in the life event narrative and provides different meanings and allows couples to see through different perspectives and angles (Christensen & Jacobson, 2000). Through artistic interventions, couple conflicts are significantly alleviated by reducing the Four Horsemen. Increasing partners' awareness of the causes of unresolved conflicts, while couples better understand their partner's thoughts and feelings. Empathy is capable of increasing. They are more willing to listen to the needs and desires of others. The amount of “criticism”, “complaints” and “contempt”decreases, individuals are less likely to defend themselves or fight back. Furthermore, the process of artistic expression provides a positive environment for appreciation and respect. Couples are more likely to notice strengths and gain a better understanding of each other. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Therefore, emotional disengagement from the interaction will be reduced during conflict. In other words, the stonewalling phenomenon would be reduced since the couple receiving art therapy is more likely to resolve relationship conflicts in a positive direction. As the direction has become more positive and consistent; although they are more competent in self-expression and ready to listen, the couple is less likely to acquire mismatched communication styles. At the same time, the frequency and intensity of feeling emotionally overwhelmed decreased while relationship stability and satisfaction were recovered. As a result, feelings of safety would be heightened in peaceful and empathetic circumstances. The romantic relationship can be improved whenever awareness, understanding, empathy and appreciation, etc. are strengthened. In light of this, art therapy can enrich the effectiveness and capacity of the therapeutic process beyond talk therapy in working with couple conflicts. References Bobes, T., & Rothman, B. (1998). The crowded bed. New York: Norton.Busby, D. M., & Holman, T. B. (2009). Perceived match or mismatch on Gottman conflict styles: Associations with relationship outcome variables. Family Process, 48(4), 531-545.Canary, D. J., & Cupach, W. R. (1988). “Relational and Episodic Characteristics Associated with Conflict Tactics.” Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 5:305–325.Christensen, A., Jacobson, N.S., Prince, S.E., Cordova, J., & Eldridge, K. (2000). Integrative behavioral couple therapy: A promising new acceptance-based treatment for couple discord. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 68(2), 351. Feeney, J. A., & Noller, P. (1990). Attachment style as a predictor of adult romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58(2), 281.Fergus, K., Ahmad, S., Ianakieva, I., McLeod, D., & Carter, W. (2017). Metaphor and meaning in an online creative expression exercise to promote dyadic coping in young couples affected by breast cancer. Arts and Health: International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, 9(2), 139–153. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2016.1208667 Gottman, J. M. (2008). Gottman method couples therapy. Clinical Manual of Couples Therapy, 4(8), 138-164. Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., & Snyder, D. K. (Eds.). (2015). Clinical manual of couples therapy. Guilford Publications.Halford, W. K. (2001). Brief therapy for couples: Helping partners help themselves. New York: Guilford Press.Hazan, C, & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 511-524. Holman, T. B., & Jarvis, M. O. (2003). Hostile, volatile, avoidant, and validating couple conflict types: An investigation of Gottman's couple conflict types. Personal Relationships, 10(2), 267-282.Kaiser, D.H., & Deaver, S. (2009). Assessing attachment with the bird's nest design: A review of the research. Art Therapy, 26(1), 26-33.Landgarten, H. B. (1981). Clinical art therapy. New York: BrunnerLantz, J., & Alford, K. (1995). Art in existential couple and family psychotherapy. Contemporary Family Therapy, 17(3), 331-342. Levenson, R. W., Carstensen, L. L., & Gottman, J. M. (1994). Influence of age and gender on affect, physiology and their interrelationships: a study of long-term marriages.