| Articles for Marriage and Family |
1 (866) COUNSEL
|
Marriage and Family
Case Management: A Case of ODD
Joshua was a seven-year-old Caucasian male who had been referred for therapy because of his disruptive and aggressive behavior. As I read the referral paperwork the day before his first visit, I began arranging a treatment plan in my head and preparing myself for working with another kid with Opp... Read More
A Unique Challenge: Dual Counselor Marriages
“Don’t the two of you get sick of psychoanalyzing each other all the time?” After almost 16 years of marriage to another counselor, what we are sick of is this question! To begin with, although we are psychotherapists, we are not psychoanalysts; and secondly, by the time we finish an intense day ... Read More
Elusive Shadows
For years Sarah lived under the shadow of her father, a man who drank frequently. She was often uneasy because of his unpredictable temper. She feared him, but when he called her aside to ask her about her plans after high school, she was ecstatic. Never before had he been thoughtful. “Pic... Read More
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
*Breaking the Cycle of Abuse* Mary’s voice sounded very matter of fact when I picked up my voice mail message. She explained that her family was in the middle of a court case involving the sexual abuse of her two young sons. When I returned her call, she shared how devastated she was ov... Read More
Domestic Violence
*Domestic Violence* *Legal Issues, Treatments and Resources* Ned Stringham Fort Abuse is a very challenging topic for counselors and pastors, and indications of its occurrence within the family are especially disturbing. The thought of such an evil penetrating their refuge where safety... Read More
Protecting the Disabled Child
One of the greatest losses in the life of a parent is when he or she hears the words, “Your child is disabled.” The diagnosis of a child with a disability disrupts the everyday life and plans of the parents, often forever. I know. I can still see the neurologist’s office at U.C.L.A. and hear his ... Read More
Relationship Cancer: Understanding the psychological dynamics of domestic violence
Her cries for help in the middle of the night startled us awake and when we turned on the lights and let our neighbor inside, the red welts on her arms and face shocked us even more. “How could he do this to you?” My mother asked, and all she could sob out was “He didn’t mean to do it, please d... Read More
Be There: Keeping Kids Emotionally Safe
“What is daddy doing, mommy?” Daniel asked as his little fingers clutched the car door and his nose pressed against the window, peering out and trying to make sense of what perplexed him. “He’s moving around.” Sylvia, his mother, answered. What else could she say? “Look’s like Dad is moving side-... Read More
Book Review: Shattered Vows (By Debra Laaser)
No one likes to talk about sexual betrayal. Let me rephrase that. No one likes to talk about sexual betrayal when it happens to him or her. Not long ago, Debra Laaser experienced a wife’s worst nightmare. And today, she is ready to tell her story. And a well-told story it is, written with ... Read More
Lonely Children: Love and hope for empty souls
LONELY CHILDREN. We all have a picture of them in our minds. Our hearts ache when we hear our children cry, “Mommy, Julie doesn’t want to sit with me at lunch.” Or our son confesses, “Daddy, why am I always the last one picked?” And we wonder whether or not our children are lonely children. It is... Read More
Case Management: A Case of Anger in Teens
Jarod is a 14-year-old Caucasian male who was brought for therapy a week after he had attempted suicide. Jarod swallowed a bottle and a half of aspirin and then drank a large amount of prescribed histamine liquid. Based on the reports of Jarod, his mother, and the attending physician in the emerg... Read More
9 Things You Simply Must Do (to succeed in love and life!)
I remember when it first happened, but I do remember the feeling. It was like being in an episode of The X Files—or more accurately, a strong sense of déjà vu. I would be talking with someone, either in therapy or a consulting role, or even in a business situation, and I would think, wait a minut... Read More
Sexual Abuse and the Call to Ethical Character
We live in a society that has certain expectations for those in leadership or in the public forum. We expect leaders to be successful, magnetic, powerful, expert, articulate, strong, and on top of things. One of the results is that the pressure on those in positions of power or influence is to hi... Read More
The Anger Difference: Are Men or Women Angrier?
When you read these words, somewhere in America, a couple is arguing. Both shout in anger. He walks away ignoring her, knowing that will make her angrier. She follows him into another room, still venting her rage. Finally, without warning, he turns and strikes her, ending the argument. Our first... Read More
Intimate Connections: Understanding the tender & tough sides of a growing relationship
Have you ever noticed that some couples can quickly move from being fired up with romantic passion for their partner to acting like a bully-boss who just wants to passionately fire them like a needless employee. It’s no wonder that people are more cautious about opening up their hearts to anoth... Read More
Spiritual and Biblical Insights about Abortion
*Wise Counsel* * Even during conflict, discussions with one’s partner should be honest, respectful, and spoken in love. Communication should be purposeful, goal-oriented, and free of hidden agendas. Sensitivity to timing is helpful (for example, not bringing up a difficult situation at the dinne... Read More
Portraits of Comminucation in Marriage
*Portraits* * Tim stood in the foyer of a crowded restaurant watching the lunch crowd pour in—no sign of Julie. In a restaurant several miles away, Julie stood in the crowded foyer peering at the door—waiting for Tim. * When Jackie said to her husband, “It’s awful here! You’re never in this ho... Read More
Definition and Key Thoughts of Communication in Marriage
*Definitions and Key Thoughts* * According to some marital experts, up to 90 percent of couples seeking counseling say communication issues are at the root of their problems. * Even during serious discussions or heartfelt talks, couples can completely confuse each other. * Effect... Read More
Symptom Assessment and Communication in Marriage
*Assessment Interview* Is communication a problem in the relationship of the persons you are counseling? The following questions may help ascertain their proficiency or problems with communication: 1)How often do you and your spouse talk about intimate things? 2)How often do you and your ... Read More
Treatment Planning and Communication in Marriage
*Action Plan* There are ways to improve the quality of one’s communication. Genuineness, empathy, and respect on the part of both the speaker and the listener are vital to improving communication between spouses. In addition to these principles, below are some additional techniques and suggestio... Read More