This is a description.

Two of the most challenging issues in couples therapy are addiction and self absorption. Through the lens of the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Sue and Ellyn will describe how to make strategic treatment decisions that propel couples toward sobriety and more collaborative functioning. The self-absorbed partner will be reviewed and ways to increase other-differentiation and increase caring and compassion will be explained. The challenge of confronting individual partners addictive and self-absorbed behavior while simultaneously supporting the growth of the couple will be demonstrated in case examples.

The educational objectives are listed.

1. Discuss 4 important Do’s and 4 important Don’ts which are strong guidelines when working with married partners who are addicted.
2. Describe 2 techniques for facilitating other-differentiation in self-absorbed partners.

Session may be edited to preserve confidentiality.