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Review of
-act ice
Exercises
Elective Session: Couple~amily
Involvement I1
Rationale
Review the couple's progress on their plans regarding alcohol in
the house, the praise given for sobriety, and their summaries of
problem-solving efforts, as assigned at the previous couples session.
F'rovide as much praise as po~sible for their efforts and
accomplishments. Trouble-shoot problem areas or reasons for noncompliance.
1. There are any number of possible barriers to closeness or
intimacy in relationships. Can you generate some examples?
These might include distrust, anger* poor self-esteem, fear of
failure, withdrawal/isolation, or sex role typing.
2. Effective communication within ~los~ntimate relationships is
important for several reasons. Among them are the following:
a. It helps you and your partner to feel closer to each other.
b. It promotes better understanding of each other's point of
view and increases your ability to solve difficulties and
conflicts.
c. It decreases the likelihood that resentment and bad feelings
over something will build up and affect other areas of your life
(e.g.* daily bickering over finances or the in-laws may lead to
more pervasive negative feelings).
d. Drinking and relapse are less likely to occur when you have an
effective way to respond to ~iculties in a relationship.
1 The rationale and skill guidelines are taken directly from selected sections of the
Monti et al. session on wC1ose and Intimate Relationships," pages 68-70.