Couples Therapy

Linda Berg Cross

Contents Introduction The Organization of the Book Learning aids Used in Each Chapter Which Clients Will benefit from the Information in This Book? Part I. The Resiliency Cornerstone: Creating an Optimistic Philosophy of Life Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral Rational Emotive Psychotherapy Restructuring and Reframing Marital Perceptions Metaphors The Marriage Tax Choose an Identity: Be a Duck or a Sponge The Art of a Successful Marriage Chapter 1. Anger and the Couple Relationship The Heads and Tails of Couple anger: Self-Imposed and Retaliatory Anger Self-Imposed Anger Retaliatory Anger The Three Worst Ways to Respond to Spousal Aggravation Positive Ways to Respond to Spousal Anger Types of Arguments Between Couples Anger and Violence Learning Aids Chapter 2. Depression and the Couple Relationship Marital Distress Provokes and Maintains Depression What Causes Depression? Common Personality Traits and Depression Marriage External Stress and Depression in Marital Relationships Coping Styles and Depression in Marriage The Protective Nature of Social Support Characteristics of Marriages with a Depressed Partner Effectiveness of Marital Therapy in Treating Depression Enlisting the Aid of a Resourceful Spouse Learning Aids Chapter 3. Anxiety and the Couple Relationship Anxiety: What Are the Symptoms? The Existential Meaning of Anxiety Couple Anxiety and the Use of Defense Mechanisms Provokers of Anxiety in Marriage Loneliness Maladaptive Responses to Anxiety: Alcohol Use, Anxiety, and the Marital Relationship Characteristics of the Anxiety-Reducing Spouse Learning Aids Part II. The Social Support Cornerstone: Creating Family and Community Roles That Enhance the Partner Relationship Theoretical Orientation: Sociocognitive The Cultural Influence of Work on Marital Relationships The Cultural Changes in Parenting and Their Effect on Family Life Cultural and Religious Diversity and Its Effect on In-Law Relationships Cultural Conflicts and the Wedding Ceremony Coping Strategies Characteristic of Intercultural In-Law Relationships The Phenomenon of Cultural Confusion Chapter 4. Parenting and the Couple Relationship The Task of Parenting The Bidirectional Approach: How Children Influence Parents Influence of Family Dynamics on Marital Relationships Developmental Tasks for Couples During the Family Life Span Learning Aids Chapter 5. Effects of Housework and Employment on Couple Relationships Housework and the Couple Relationship Employment and Its Effects on the Couple Relationship Major Types of Spillover Methods of Coping: Home-Based Work Learning Aids Chapter 6. In-Laws and the Couple Relationship In-Law Combinations Factors Affecting In-Law Relationships Learning Aids Part III. The Adaptability Cornerstone: From Adaptability to Rigidity--Reducing Conflict with Effective Communication Theoretical Orientation: Family Systems and Psychodynamics Psychodynamic Theories Systems Theories and Couple Communication Chapter 7. Communication What Do Couples Communicate About? Communication Problems Methods for Improving Marital Communication Learning Aids Part IV. The Self-Fulfillment Cornerstone: Creating a Spiritual Connection Theoretical Orientation: Humanistic and Theological Self-Fulfillment Through Commitment and Trust Organized Religion, Spirituality, and Marriage Eastern Religions, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Fulfillment Judeo-Christian Religious Traditions, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Satisfactions Personality Theories, Personal Fulfillment, and Marital Satisfactions Chapter 8. Sexuality and th