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)

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)

If counselors can stretch themselves further to reach into the community to share knowledge with other institutions and can together set up programs to inspire greater self-esteem and self-respect, they might be able to significantly reduce the divorce rate by raising the status of singlehood. (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…

Discusses treatment issues in conjoint marital therapy, currently accepted as the preferred format for treating marital difficulties. Describes the use of linear or paradoxical letters to the nonattending spouse, providing research data regarding potential hazards of one-spouse therapy. Sample letters are included. (JAC)

The techniques of initiating and terminating therapeutic encounters have been disproportionately represented in the literature of strategic therapy. Using the patient's own report, the middle phase of therapy for severe marital difficulty is illustrated. Central to the final outcome was a paradoxical instruction. (Author)

The lack of attention to the student marriage relationship and its impact is documented and guidelines for an outreach program involving married students are presented. Objectives of such a program include: (1) to study student marriages and define more clearly the psychological variables that constitute a growing, healthy marriage, and (2) to…

This paper describes the evolution of an approach designed to improve interpersonal interaction between spouses through training in specific communication skills. The approach can be used either in lieu of, or in conjunction with, more traditional marital counseling. Presented at American Personnel and Guidance Association Convention, New Orleans,…

The author describes a three-step technique for helping couples communicate better with each other. This technique involves an acknowledgement of verbal renunciation of the right to vent anger through fighting, and a request for help. (Author/HLM)

Data are presented concerning the experience of 429 men and women with a court-related marriage and divorce counseling service. Descriptions of how this agency is perceived by the clients as helpful or not helpful are examined as are the sociodemographic characteristics associated with client satisfaction. (Author)

Describes a behavioral problem-solving package designed to train negotiation and emotional expression skills. Training consisted of modeling, behavioral rehearsal, and feedback regarding the rehearsal. Training was associated with increases in target, nontarget, and subjective behaviors, thereby demonstrating generalized treatment effects. (Author)

Whether the union is jeopardized by disappointment, fear of not achieving satisfaction in life, or other problems, the couple in crisis may turn to divorce as the lesser evil. The mediation process is of potential value to those couples who may want to avoid protracted, painful lawsuits. (Author)

This paper describes a seminar approach to postdivorce adjustment. Topical content areas covered in the seven-week seminars are discussed. The interaction of leader-guided problem solving and participant input is addressed along with a series of preliminary conclusions reached concerning the efficacy of this approach to treatment. (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 Lost Adolescence Syndrome is described. Its usefulness as a diagnostic tool for the marriage and family counselor is elaborated upon. Implications for therapy are discussed. (Author)