Counselling Couples

"This is a resource book--a bag from which can be pulled endless ideas and innovative techniques for counseling couples. It is thought provoking rather than prescriptive, genuinely eclectic rather than partisan. . . . Because the book is written by practicing clinicians, with a wealth of experience, it has an immediacy and appeal that more prescriptive manuals or terse research-based treatment applications lack. . . . To experienced counselors, this book could bring something new and different to their work, and to the less experienced, it could prove a very useful resource book." --Clinical Psychology Forum Intimacy, companionship, and economic security--all are fundamental components of relationships. In many cases, when problems arise within the relationship, the partner often is asked to serve as a therapist and problem-solver. This, in turn, leads to failure and dissatisfaction with partners eventually seeking help from a third party, usually a counselor or therapist. Illustrated by case studies, this useful guide focuses on the methods and techniques counselors can utilize to restore balance in a partnership. The authors emphasize that the task of counseling couples is about motivating them, helping them have a functional comprehension of their concerns, and encouraging them to increase their behavioral management skills. They describe the features of couples' relationships that are amenable to change and explain how counselors can stimulate that change.