Communication

Every relationship has disagreements. It’s how we handle those disagreements that counts. A bad argument can turn even a little problem into a big one, making it emotionally charged and painful. This is where fair fighting rules come in. Fair fighting rules don’t tell us…

This is a decision-making exercise that provides an opportunity for partners to work on accepting influence and to find out how they work together as a team. The purpose of this exercise is for the partners to evaluate their ability to include their partner(s), to…

Performed individually. Say the following:  I would like to ask you some questions about how you feel about your feelings. Take surprise as an example. Now, some people don’t ever like being surprised. On the other hand, some people love to be surprised and love…

The Relapse Questionnaire can help couples assess and prevent relapse and understand how to seek additional intervention if relapse occurs. Instructions Let’s check to see if you feel that any gains you made in treatment have relapsed or are in the process of relapsing. Please…

Use this questionnaire to assess, on a regular basis, how things are going in your relationship and whether you want to gently bring up an issue that will draw the two of you closer together. Instructions Circle as many of the following items as you…

The following is a list of gridlocked issues that other people have had in their relationships. In this exercise, see if you can imagine and identify a dream within each position.   Make up a story, or narrative, for each side of the gridlock. In…