Even though using metaphors in a therapeutic context is common, there are very few studies that address their effects. This study examines the effects of storytelling in therapy. After discussing a problem in a current relationship, 42 female participants were randomly assigned to receive either a story or psychoeducational information. Results…

This book provides therapists with a theoretical base from which to view the dynamics of couples' relationships and the therapeutic process. The book's eight chapters are organized into three parts: "Adlerian Theory and Process"; "Therapeutic Interventions"; and "Special Issues in Marital Therapy." Chapter 1, Adlerian…

Couples therapy interventions can be used with alcohol abusers and alcoholics during three broadly defined states of recovery: (1) initial commitment to change; (2) change itself; and (3) long-term maintenance of change. Intervening with the alcoholic's spouse (and/or other nonalcoholic family members) can motivate and reinforce commitment to…

This presentation by a practicing marital therapist describes how exercise behavior can be used as a preventive measure against spouse abuse. This crisis intervention approach is intended to help couples develop stopgap techniques to prevent physical violence; it is one segment of a more comprehensive approach which might include contingency…

Alcohol abuse imposes financial, social, and emotional burdens on drinkers and their families. Couples suffering from alcohol-related problems who seek therapy often have expectations of retribution, restitution, and refuge. Although thoughts of retribution are difficult to elicit in therapy, non-drinking spouses often expect to inflict pain on…

This article is a descriptive account of a married couples workshop led by two psychiatric social workers in the psychiatric division of a university student health service. (PD)

The chairman of the Board of Marriage Counselor Examiners of New Jersey offers his views on what marriage is, what it should be, and some ways in which counselors can facilitate change. (CJ)

Mental illness constitutes a major hazard to public health. The author advodates the implementation of programs of primary prevention, using the marital enrichment group as a model to follow in promoting mental health and specific protection. (Author)

One cause of marriage difficulty is the unconsciously motivated selection of an incompatible mate through the process of a counterphobic mechanism. Definition of counterphobia is given, along with brief examples and comments. (EK)

Describes a values related activity which allows an individual to explore his/her own values, attitudes and emotions concerning attributes of a husband or a wife. (Author/EJT)

This article provides a procedure for integrating personality testing in the marriage counseling process, a behavioral model for interpretation of the results, and research implications of such testing. Specific suggestions for administration, interpretation, and research are included. (Author)

This paper uses a script theory framework to suggest why there are important attitude-behavior discrepancies concerning extramarital behavior, and how these differences affect therapy. Extramarital behavior emerges as a complex phenomenon which requires a high degree of knowledge, sensitivity, and recognition of individual differences on the part…

Reviews the various meanings of the words "normal,""functional," and "healthy," and suggests greater caution and guidelines for the use of these words to avoid ambiguity and erroneous implications. (Author)

An annotated listing of the films entered in the National Council on Family Relations film awards competition. The 13 winners are indicated. (Author/HMV)