Empowering Couples

by Duane R. Bidwell Claremont School of Theology

Overview

Couples can make significant progress toward resolving their own problems when they receive appropriate guidance from a caring person. This book outlines five tasks focused on identity, agency, and meaning that spiritual caregivers can use to empower couples for significant change in just three to five conversations. Critically integrating desert spiritual theology with empirical data about successful marriages, Bidwell advocates for mutuality and partnership within covenanted relationships, which allows partners to create an alliance strong enough to resist the forces that threaten relationshipsespecially the negative influences of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and withdrawal.

Pastors who adopt the approach outlined in the text will "travel lightly" in terms of pastoral power, decentering themselves so that couples can identify and build on their unique strengths and relationship with the divine.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781451426243
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	02/01/2013
Series:	Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	296 KB

About the Author

Duane R. Bidwell is professor of practical theology, spiritual care, and counseling at Claremont School of Theology and a minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is the author of Short-Term Spiritual Guidance, The Formation of Pastoral Counselors, and Empowering Couples.