Counseling Couples in Conflict: A Relational Restoration Model

Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books

by James N. Sells, Mark A. Yarhouse

Most therapeutic approaches, especially those of a cognitive orientation, are not very effective in dealing with high conflict relationships--couples often heading toward divorce by the time they seek help. Counseling Couples in Conflict is a resource for pastors and counselors who want to be ready for these uniquely difficult cases. Utilizing a relational conflict and restoration model Mark Yarhouse and James Sells point the way beyond the cycle of pain towards marital healing. Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

Genres: Counselling, Marriage, Psychology

300 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2011

Reviews

[Jennifer Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more helpful books in my counseling program. The "relational-restoration model" is full of grace and truth.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for Christian pastors and counselors! "Counseling Couples in Conflict" is well researched and real-to-life. The authors use Christian themes such as grace, justice, trust, and forgiveness in their approach. They also include many basic and helpful counseling reminders like "accepting what individuals choose to do with their lives," "being comfortable on the front lines of marital conflict," "having no dog in the fight or don't get trapped by taking sides," and "seeing both the forest and the trees." The approach is not to seek the personal self fulfillment of each individual but to actually restore a relationship and seek to help a troubled marriage come out of pain and dysfunction stronger and healthier.

[Robert Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I am very opposed to psychobabble, but they use only the terminology that's helpful and clarifying. Highly recommended for pastors, counselors, and all married people. Very grace-filled.