Helping a group close on a productive note is very important. Each client must understand precisely what he or she can expect of the group. Most groups develop agreements on starting times, closing times, approximate number of sessions, and ways homework assignments are developed. (Author)

Systematic instruction in conflict management is an effective means for the group counselor to help couples resolve their conflicts and develop a support system for meaningful resolution of future conflict. With this appraoch group members help to develop new behaviors that enhance the intimacy of the marriage. (Author)

Presents a discussion of the linguistic mechansim of nominalization. In identifying and challenging nominalizations, the counselor can help a couple clarify the present state of their relationship, where they are hurting, the desired state of their relationship, and the feeling and behavioral changes they want in their relationship. (Author)

In counseling groups, uncoupling partners learn to say their good-byes and accept the death of the marriage. They complete their unfinished business with each other. An organizational strategy is necessary. Skill in helping partners uncouple is a vital function of a marriage counselor, who must be proficient in group counseling. (Author)

Presents a rationale for counseling couples in groups and illustrates how people can be taught to pair up with counselors in order to help their spouses rather than hurt them. Specific steps in forming and facilitating the group are presented. (BEF)

Suggests goal development as an effective way to set the stage for change with couples in groups. It helps to clarify issues, opens channels of communication, change behaviors in desired directions, and evaluate that change. Spouses, group members, and counselors can benefit from goal-setting. (Author/BEF)

Reviews outcome studies of marriage enrichment groups for both premarital and marital couples, examining determination of change, measurement tools, stability of changes, differential effectiveness, and types of participants. Emphasizes the impact varies with the audience for such programs. Describes the focus as primary prevention for couples…

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)

The Stepfamily Enrichment Program is a multi-couple group intervention intended to help stepfamilies successfully negotiate the early stages of family formation. Theory, research, and clinical findings were integrated in this intervention designed specifically for remarried couples. Emphasis is placed on strengthening and improving family…

Examines the view that individual pathologies and problems are manifestations of family dysfunctions. The interdependence of family members is the critical element in the family group therapy process. Intervention involves the disruption of the dynamic balance maintained by the family system. (RC)