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 describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

Describes the use of a penny game as a counseling technique to interrupt an unwanted cycle of behavior between spouses. The game can be explained in terms of both paradox and power and is useful with several marriage counseling techniques which teach more appropriate verbal behavior. (JAC)

Presents a contract and rationale for use with couples who recognize that their marriage is on the edge of divorce. The couple can choose to live separately under controlled and structured conditions. The counselor plays an active part as mediator and facilitator. (Author)

The author's system of premarital counseling and examination consists of four visits before marriage and one after. These visits are for introducing the contractual elements of marriage; taking medical histories and physical examinations; introducing a program for beginning marriage; and resolving problems in the early weeks of marriage. (BP)

This article describes the Minnesota Couples Communication Program which offers a structured educational experience directed toward equipping couples with skills for (1) heightening awareness of self and self's contributions to interaction, (2) effectively expressing self-awareness, (3) accurately understanding partner's communications, and (4)…

The use of poetry in couples' groups is suggested to facilitate group process and break down resistance. Techniques include the use of reactions to a poem or song, the construction of poems, and the development of images. Poetry can help clients express feelings and examine communication patterns. (Author)

Describes therapist-structured marital separation for distressed couples during their critical period of deciding whether to divorce or remain married. Discusses characteristics of marital distress appropriate for structured marital separation, potential benefits, and design of the separation contract. Issues addressed include duration, frequency…

Suggests conjoint reading aloud as an initial assignment in behavioral marital therapy. The spouses are directed to read a book on marital conflict and communication five times during the week following the initial interview. Conjoint reading addresses the experientially salient problems of verbal conflict. (Author/JAC)

Examined the effects of a structured choice-awareness, marriage enrichment program on participants' marital satisfaction and self-concept. Meaningful trends in the predicted direction of increased marital satisfaction and increased self-concept were noted for the experimental group. (Author)

Uses quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate the impact of the bonding and catharsis segment of a measure of intimate relationship skills. Results suggest that the segment can lead to significant improvements in marital adjustment, cohesion, self-esteem, and anxiety levels. Explores differences in changes for males and females.…

This journal section contains 25 articles dealing with the field of sexual counseling. Each approach to sexual problems is deeply involved in refining its own theoretical statements, developing its clinical techniques, and implementing a research program. This issue should be helpful to persons wanting a broad look at the field of sexual…

The treatment by a qualified sex therapist of a sexually dysfunctional couple referred by a family or marital therapist often significantly facilitates the overall therapeutic progress. Resistance by partners or other family members is considered, as is the use of "unsuccessful" sex therapy as a diagnostic tool. (Author)

At Western Illinois University a three segment workshop has been initiated to help participants become aware of intimacy skills and facilitate their actual practice. The model has three separate sections; each is devoted to a distinct but related series of concepts and activities. (Author)

A pre-marital assessment method is described which utilizes interviews with the young couple, with both sets of parents and group interviewing with all six key persons involved in the plans for marriage. The use of selected tests and particular methods of examining the couple's relationship are discussed. (Author)