When It Is Used
Use it when multiple disputes appear connected and the practitioner needs a central theme rather than a list of separate incidents.
Theme Identification
Theme Identification is a practitioner-only IBCT conflict formulation aid for couple therapists. It helps practitioners organize recurring argument examples, represent both partners' positions, and draft a central conflict theme that connects disputes across situations.
Draft a sample central theme.
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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.
What It Captures
The tool captures recurring conflict examples, each partner's position, contextual or emotional meanings, candidate themes, and a final central theme statement.
Limits
The tool does not create an exhaustive conflict log, score blame, diagnose either partner, or generate a treatment plan.
Does the tool require multiple conflict examples?
Yes. A theme supported by only one incident should be marked as unsupported by multiple topics.
Can there be more than one candidate theme?
Yes. Candidate themes can be explored before the practitioner selects or drafts a final central theme.
Is there a client view?
No. The tool is practitioner-only, though the practitioner may translate the theme into session language.
Does the system decide the theme?
No. The system supports organization and cues; the practitioner interprets and finalizes the central theme.