Couples Therapy

Linda Berg Cross

Contents



Introduction
The Organization of the Book
Learning aids Used in Each Chapter
Which Clients Will benefit from the Information in This Book?
Part I. The Resiliency Cornerstone: Creating an Optimistic Philosophy of Life
Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral
Rational Emotive Psychotherapy
Restructuring and Reframing Marital Perceptions
Metaphors
The Marriage Tax
Choose an Identity: Be a Duck or a Sponge
The Art of a Successful Marriage
Chapter 1. Anger and the Couple Relationship
The Heads and Tails of Couple anger: Self-Imposed and Retaliatory Anger
Self-Imposed Anger
Retaliatory Anger
The Three Worst Ways to Respond to Spousal Aggravation
Positive Ways to Respond to Spousal Anger
Types of Arguments Between Couples
Anger and Violence
Learning Aids
Chapter 2. Depression and the Couple Relationship
Marital Distress Provokes and Maintains Depression
What Causes Depression?
Common Personality Traits and Depression Marriage
External Stress and Depression in Marital Relationships
Coping Styles and Depression in Marriage
The Protective Nature of Social Support
Characteristics of Marriages with a Depressed Partner
Effectiveness of Marital Therapy in Treating Depression
Enlisting the Aid of a Resourceful Spouse
Learning Aids
Chapter 3. Anxiety and the Couple Relationship
Anxiety: What Are the Symptoms?
The Existential Meaning of Anxiety
Couple Anxiety and the Use of Defense Mechanisms
Provokers of Anxiety in Marriage
Loneliness
Maladaptive Responses to Anxiety: Alcohol Use, Anxiety, and the Marital Relationship
Characteristics of the Anxiety-Reducing Spouse
Learning Aids
Part II. The Social Support Cornerstone: Creating Family and Community Roles That Enhance the Partner Relationship
Theoretical Orientation: Sociocognitive
The Cultural Influence of Work on Marital Relationships
The Cultural Changes in Parenting and Their Effect on Family Life
Cultural and Religious Diversity and Its Effect on In-Law Relationships
Cultural Conflicts and the Wedding Ceremony
Coping Strategies Characteristic of Intercultural In-Law Relationships
The Phenomenon of Cultural Confusion
Chapter 4. Parenting and the Couple Relationship
The Task of Parenting
The Bidirectional Approach: How Children Influence Parents
Influence of Family Dynamics on Marital Relationships
Developmental Tasks for Couples During the Family Life Span
Learning Aids
Chapter 5. Effects of Housework and Employment on Couple Relationships
Housework and the Couple Relationship
Employment and Its Effects on the Couple Relationship
Major Types of Spillover
Methods of Coping: Home-Based Work
Learning Aids
Chapter 6. In-Laws and the Couple Relationship
In-Law Combinations
Factors Affecting In-Law Relationships
Learning Aids
Part III. The Adaptability Cornerstone: From Adaptability to Rigidity--Reducing Conflict with Effective Communication
Theoretical Orientation: Family Systems and Psychodynamics
Psychodynamic Theories
Systems Theories and Couple Communication
Chapter 7. Communication
What Do Couples Communicate About?
Communication Problems
Methods for Improving Marital Communication
Learning Aids
Part IV. The Self-Fulfillment Cornerstone: Creating a Spiritual Connection
Theoretical Orientation: Humanistic and Theological
Self-Fulfillment Through Commitment and Trust
Organized Religion, Spirituality, and Marriage
Eastern Religions, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Fulfillment
Judeo-Christian Religious Traditions, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Satisfactions
Personality Theories, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Satisfactions
Chapter 8. Sexuality and th