Chronic illness in couples: a case for emotionally focused therapy

The onset of chronic illness is one of the most pervasive health problems facing North Americans today. Only recently have researchers and clinicians seriously examined chronic physical conditions in the context of close relationships. This article briefly reviews the literature on chronic illness in adult couples. Initially, the focus is on the reciprocal link between close relationships and chronic physical conditions. A number of clinical approaches for working with chronic illness in couples are outlined, a particular case is made for the utility of emotionally focused therapy, and a case study is presented.