What It Captures
The tool captures one behavior target, negative impact, credible positive or functional aspects, credibility to each partner, and observed reactivity or tolerance.
Pointing Out Positive Aspects of Negative Behavior
Pointing Out Positive Aspects of Negative Behavior is an IBCT tolerance-building tool for couple therapists. It helps practitioners guide a structured positive-function reframing of one persistent negative partner behavior while keeping the behavior's negative impact visible.
Explore a sample tolerance frame.
Interested in using Pointing Out Positive Aspects of Negative Behavior with clients? Request access now.
Request access
Request access to Pointing Out Positive Aspects of Negative Behavior. Enter your email below.
Tool guide
Learn more about this tool
Use this background section to understand when the tool fits, how practitioners use it, and what to consider before sharing it with clients.
Client Role
Clients may contribute reflections only when between-session reflection is selected. The tool must not pressure the distressed partner to endorse a positive frame.
Limits
The tool does not require forgiveness, promise behavior change, generate gratitude lists, or automatically decide that tolerance is clinically appropriate.
Does the tool hide the negative impact of the behavior?
No. The negative impact remains visible in the frame and result.
Can the distressed partner reject the positive frame?
Yes. Responses such as not credible, unresolved, or still distressing are supported.
What is configurable?
The practitioner can choose live session only or live session plus between-session reflection.
Does saving preserve sample client reflections?
No. Saving preserves the tool and selected usage mode, not fictional demo reflections or case data.