The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how counselors can use de Bono's Six Thinking Hats problem-solving technique in their work with couples. Part 1 of the article focuses on an introduction to the technique, including a theoretical rationale and supporting research. Following a detailed description of the process of using the model as a…

Families can be an important source of encouragement. The purpose of this article is to help clients identify specific ways that encouragement did or did not take place within both their family of origin and/or in their present family. Actual, ideal, or wanted examples, plus specific examples of encouragement in stepfamilies or blended families…

Humor is an important aspect of couple and family relationships. This article features a self-assessment questionnaire. Representative quotes and suggested activities follow. The article concludes by inviting couples and families to make humor an important part of their relationship. (Contains 11 references.) (Author)

Presents an activity designed to help couples and families in identifying different personality wants and needs based on early formulative decisions in each person's life. The #1 Priority Questionnaire was developed as a way of assessing these personality preferences and discussing the issues of personality differences within relationships. (GCP)

This article provides tools to help clients understand anger and responses to it individually and as a family unit. Clients are then encouraged to apply anger management principles to their own situation. (GCP)

Offers a specific method for couples and/or family members to consider the implications of a formative personal early recollection on one's current relationship. The authors have created the process of early recollection reflection as a systematic way of understanding and then changing or rewriting early experience. This can be a powerful way to…

The authors have created the Illness Relationship Impact Inventory as one concrete way of examining each person's personal relationship with illness during their formative years. These early experiences texture the impact on one's experience of illness as an adult. Discussion questions and "next steps" commitment for positive improvement in that…