Which intervention should a therapist use for a high-conflict couple prone to flooding?

The selection of the intervention focusing on "Four Horsemen and Antidotes" is particularly pertinent for high-conflict couples who experience flooding. This method is grounded in the understanding that certain communication patterns can lead to relationship breakdowns. The Four Horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are negative behaviors that can escalate conflicts and create emotional flooding, where emotions become overwhelming.

By helping couples identify and address these negative patterns, therapists can guide them towards healthier communication strategies, or antidotes, that soften these four destructive behaviors. This approach not only aids in understanding the root causes of their conflicts but also empowers the couple to develop more productive ways of engaging with one another during disagreements. It's an essential intervention for enhancing emotional regulation and fostering intimacy, which is critical for couples experiencing flooding.

Other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not directly address the high-conflict nature of the couple in the same targeted manner. For instance, developing a ritual for a time out could be useful for managing conflict, but it doesn't specifically tackle the underlying negative behaviors contributing to flooding. Similarly, exploring the aftermath of a fight or working on "Dreams Within Conflict" can provide insights into emotional needs or unresolved issues, but they might