Couples experiencing marital problems were assigned to a control group receiving no treatment; a group receiving programmed instruction on communication in marriage; and a group receiving counseling emphasizing marital communication. Compared to the control group, the programmed text group changed positively but not significantly. (Author)

The unique advantages of a promising mode for educating and strengthening families in groups are introduced. Drawing from a variety of innovative programs, guidelines for developing family growth groups are formulated. Proposed guidelines are summarized under four categories: goals, means of program implementation, evaluation procedures, and…

Presents the philosophy behind the development of a family life education program within a community agency. Offers guidelines for setting up similar programs by agencies in other communities whose concern is strengthening and enhancing family life as part of their mental health care program. Presented at the Georgia Conference on Social Welfare,…

Marriage and family enrichment is the new professional area in the applied family field. Its distinction is the limitation to groups of normal married couples and families, in informal settings, using experimental methods. A major recommendation is for a differentiating theoretical base to be established. (Author)

There are few descriptions of growth experiences for total families. This paper describes one such model. It expresses the conviction that families need opportunities to come together with other families to identify strengths, sharpen communication skills, and establish goals. (Author)

Treatment of married couples in groups by one therapist is described. Emphasis is placed on the fact that treatment problems and process in such groups are quite different from therapy groups in which the participants are not related outside the group and on the need to differentiate between couples' groups according to social and chronological…

The author suggests that a systems theory of counseling should have an adequate theoretical foundation in the way various types of systems handle information. Using the works of W. R. Ashby as a basis, the paper is a beginning attempt to establish this foundation. It describes how information can be used to maintain homeostasis and protect key…

The group seemed to be a meaningful vehicle for discussing family life problems and to have practical advantages when compared to dealing with individual families. The relationships that developed among group members appeared to be particularly important. (Author)

Focuses upon the problems and successes encountered at the Widows Consultation Center in the use of therapeutic discussion groups as a method of counseling widows and helping them to build a new life. (Author)

As the marriage enrichment movement develops, nationally and internationally, the question of standards governing the services provided by leader couples becomes of critical importance. This paper examines the main programs now being offered. (Author)

Marriage counseling of couples in groups is based upon principles and techniques of both group counseling and marriage counseling, and in rationale and methodology combines the two. It can be a useful and constructive form of marital therapy. (Author)

The need for pre-marital preparation and its current status is discussed. Group counseling is supported as the technique best suited to meet this need. Both the benefits and limitations of this method are noted. (Author)

Presents a description of the authors' experiences in a university counseling center with therapy groups for individuals who had undergone male-female partnership failure. The impact separation and divorce have on individuals, resulting adjustment stages, and corresponding group goals are highlighted. (Author)