| Abstrakt: |
Requests for marriage counseling are often initiated by only one partner, and many spouses refuse to become directly involved. Divergent views related to this problem have been presented, and a rationale for seeing only one partner has been explicated. The key issue is the formulation of an adequate diagnosis, including diagnosis of the non-cooperating spouse and the marital interaction. Distorted reporting of data by the client and the absence of comparative data from the partner make diagnosis difficult. A sound diagnosis, however, is usually possible, and guidelines to reduce the effects of distortions have been presented. The attitude of the non-co-operating partner toward counseling is frequently distorted or misinterpreted by the client. Techniques for ascertaining the partner's attitude and increasing the possibility of his co-operating have been discussed. If he cannot be involved, the client must be helped to tolerate his non-co-operation, and the client's negative feelings must be managed therapeutically. Structuring counseling is of particular importance. A fundamental rule, that the goal is to understand the client's role in the marital problems rather than to change his partner, must be clarified for the client. Employing a trial period of counseling is recommended in some instances. A counseling relationship with one spouse is highly susceptible to overidentification and transference and countertransference reactions. Indications of these reactions and guidelines for their control and management have been suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
