I use a wide variety of tools and approaches in working with couples. I do not have one cookie-cutter method but instead use whatever suits the particular needs and personalities of a particular couple. I do often recommend using self-help books that I prescibe to supplement work done in sessions. I start by spending about one session for each person to get an outline of their individual history, with the other person present. After getting the individual histories of each I then get an outline of the couple's history together as a couple working up to the present concerns. These histories allow me to get to know each individual as individuals first and then as a couple, which gives context to current concerns. The history-taking also allows couples to decide whether they want to work with me.
