Suggests not an exclusive focus on emotion in couples therapy, but rather, the inclusion of emotion into an integrative approach which involves affect, cognition, and behavior in a systemic framework. Affect has too long been neglected both as an agent of therapeutic change and as a direct target of change. (Author/ABL)

The premarital contract is an effective tool in premarital counseling. This contract is a written or verbal agreement that makes more explicit one's attitudes and expectations about aspects that will influence the marital relationship. Topics include division of labor, employment, financial responsibility, and religious beliefs and practices.…

Discusses the complexities of sexual avoidance, or Hypoactive Sexual Desire (HSD), a previously neglected aspect of a couple's relationship. Suggests that learning from a therapist to accept and enjoy other forms of sexual exchange can open up new horizons of physical and emotional intimacy. (Contains 17 references.) (GCP)

Briefly reviews the literature on infertility and its emotional, physical, existential, and relational effects on individuals, couples, and families. Life crisis and biopsychosocial theories are discussed as they apply to persons struggling with infertility issues. In addition, stage models derived from a biopsychosocial perspective are presented.…

Couples and family counselors may aid in the remedy of sexual dysfunction when it has a cognitive or psychological basis. One important source of sexual dysfunction is cognitive distraction that results from certain forms of self-focus during sexual activity with a partner, a phenomenon sex therapists have labeled spectatoring. Introduces sensate…

Marriage and family counselors can play important roles for both the person with schizophrenia and his or her family. This article provides a resource for family counselors that includes a clinically relevant summary of the schizophrenia literature, its associated family burden, and applicable interventions and issues. (Contains 64 references.)…

For marriage and family therapists and educators who train future marriage and family therapists, families formed by means of adoption offer an abundance of learning opportunities in both the areas of assessment and intervention. The following consultation case represents a composite family designed to highlight the unique features of adoptive…

Religion and spirituality have long played important roles in the lives of couples and families within North American society. This article describes the Transformative Experience Questionnaire (TEQ), which provides an opportunity for couples to explore the role of spirituality in their own relationships. (Contains 25 references.) (GCP)

Provides a review of representative literature offering modifications of traditional genogram formats, procedures, and emphases. Topics include counseling techniques and interventions for couples' issues related to sexuality, intimacy, and gender roles. Families and stepfamilies are addressed in areas such as grief and loss, alcoholism, and…

Examines literature on marital therapy and spouse involvement as treatments for major psychopathology, focusing on depression, agoraphobia, and alcoholism. For each disorder, examines relation between marital dynamics and disorder and discusses empirical efforts to evaluate impact of marital therapy or spouse involvement on disorder. Summarizes…

Draws analogy between Muhammad Ali's boxing technique of "rope-a-dope" and behavioral patterns frequently occurring in couple conflicts. Presents basics of Ali's technique as similar to fighting patterns of many couples. Suggests that this behavior may lead to physical violence. Describes use of analogy in working with couples. Presents strategies…

Conducted qualitative exploration of therapeutic process occurring in solution-focused marital therapy session. Through intense examination of the communications of therapist, wife, and husband using conversation analysis, nine categories of linguistic strategies used by therapist in pursuit of solution-focused conversation were developed.…

Responds to previous article by Waring et al. on controlled trial of cognitive marital therapy in severe marital discord. Focuses on suggestion of possibility that self-disclosure of personal constructs does not enhance marital intimacy. Contends that important reason why cognitive marital therapy did not prove more effective for subjects was lack…

Introduces a creative diagnostic tool, developed and clinically applied in individual, marital, and family therapy. The tool is based on the clients' creation of a family album in the form of a collage. It enables the therapist to touch the inner theater of the client, as well as to understand the interpersonal theater. (Author/MKA)

Discusses Rehearsals for Growth (RfG), a method of using drama in the service of marital and family psychotherapy. It focuses on enhancing and developing skills that promote good relationship functioning and offering techniques for changing the stories that are cocreated about self and relationship. Describes games and exercises that illustrate…