What should the therapist make sure happens during the Oral History Interview?

During the Oral History Interview, the therapist's primary focus should be to understand the emotional picture of the relationship timeline. This involves exploring how the couple has experienced significant events and transitions in their relationship, as well as identifying the emotions tied to those experiences. The emotional landscape provides crucial insights into how the couple interacts with each other, how they handle conflict, and what patterns may be affecting their relationship.

While it is important to gather factual information and may involve some specific questions, simply noting facts or adhering strictly to a predetermined list of questions does not capture the depth of the couples' experiences. The therapist's aim is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the emotional narratives that shape the individuals and their relationship. Understanding the emotional context is essential for addressing underlying issues and enabling the couple to foster more meaningful connections in therapy.