Andrew Christensen

Andrew Christensen is an American clinical psychologist and professor associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is widely recognized for his extensive research and clinical work in the field of couples therapy. He focuses on how intimate relationships function and change over time.

Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Andrew Christensen and Neil S. Jacobson in the late 1990s. It combines traditional behavioral change methods with strategies that promote emotional acceptance and tolerance of a partner's differences. The goal is to foster a more intimate, forgiving relationship dynamic.

Unlike traditional behavioral couples therapy, which focuses heavily on changing each other's behaviors to solve problems, IBCT emphasizes acceptance. Christensen's approach teaches couples that trying to force change often creates conflict. By accepting inherent differences, couples often experience natural, organic shifts in their interactions.

Yes, IBCT has been rigorously tested in large-scale clinical trials funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The results have shown it to be highly effective in improving relationship satisfaction. Due to its strong evidence base, it is widely practiced by therapists internationally.