Which scenario constitutes a major contraindication for marital therapy?

• A. One partner is unwilling to participate
• B. There is ongoing domestic violence that cannot be managed in sessions
• C. The couple has different religious backgrounds
• D. The couple experiences financial stress

Answer: (B)

The key idea is safety in couples therapy. Ongoing domestic violence that cannot be managed in sessions is a major contraindication because it makes joint work unsafe for both partners. In these situations, the risk of harm can escalate when the couple meets together, so the therapist must prioritize immediate safety, conduct careful risk assessment, and often shift to individual therapy, crisis intervention, and safety planning rather than conjoint therapy until safety is established.

Other issues like one partner not participating, religious differences, or financial stress can complicate therapy but do not by themselves preclude treatment with the right approach; these are challenges that can be addressed within a couples or family work, or through adjunctive individual work as needed.