This document presents a theoretical approach to couple counseling, a systemic approach which views each spouse as having a personal and relationship history that transcends the present marital one. It notes that this approach views a person's life style along two dimensions: the first dimension examines the person's relational experiences at the family, relational, and self level; the second dimension involves an understanding of how well each spouse has dealt with developmental issues and what impact these events (birth, death, marriage, divorce) has had upon them. A discussion of assessment in systemic therapy notes that presenting problems are viewed for their greater symbolic value rather than for their content value. The areas of tracking, genograms, sculpturing, circular questioning, inventories, hypothesis testing, and the holding environment are addressed. The next section examines several interventions in systemic therapy: alliances, homework assignments, reframing/relabeling, contracts, paradoxical interventions, prescribing the symptom, and split opinion. Reasons for the failure of therapy are considered, including family secrets, affairs, nodal events, symptom relief, and reactivity levels. (NB)