THE GAP MARRIAGE COUNSELLING THEORY: A Contemporary Theoretical Framework for Marital & Couple Therapy

Marital conflict involves patterned meaning under stress, as described by the GAP Marriage Counselling Theory (GAP-MCT). This theory provides a culturally grounded framework for understanding and resolving relational conflict, applicable to various professionals including therapists and researchers. GAP-MCT emphasizes the interpretation of gaps, escalation of threats, and restoration of alignment, moving beyond blame and moral labelling. It is clinically precise, academically rigorous, and culturally intelligent, aiming to clarify meaning for family healing and societal stability. The development of GAP-MCT began in 2019, culminating in its publication on December 27, 2025.