Perhaps no single issue is of greater importance for families in Western culture than the one of marital conflict. When couples fail to successfully negotiate the emotional difficulties of their relationship, it can lead either to years of unhappiness within the marriage or to the breakdown of the marriage and to divorce. Unhappy couples negatively affect their families and even their communities. Couples in Conflict describes the nature of the emotional process leading to marital difficulties and how a minister or counselor can be a resource to help couples in conflict. The minister/counselor will be able to help them improve their lives personally, as well as their relationship and family life. By extension, couples will also develop skills that will improve their work life and their life in the community. The book provides practical and specific approaches to helping these couples and the issues that a minister must deal with in order to be useful to them. Endorsements: "Richardson does an intriguing pastoral integration of Murray Bowen's family systems approach to counseling couples in conflict with superb clinical illustrations. His writing reflects clear scholarship and pastoral and psychological wisdom." —Merle Jordan Professor of Pastoral Psychogy Emeritus Boston University School of Theology "Richardson is thorough in his description of Bowen family systems theory and its use in marital counseling. His use of case material makes the theory come alive, illustrating the practical application of the theory. He challenges pastors and others doing marital counseling to rethink their assumptions and role, providing an alternative model that is both authentic and effective. An excellent resource for anyone working with couples in conflict." —Teresa E. Snorton Executive Director Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. "Richardson has written a supremely practical, theory–rich book—subtly theological yet full of down–to–earth protocols for what the counselor can do and when to do it. A fine theoretical introduction for the beginner and a practical manual for the person already versed in Bowen theory." —Brian Grant AAPC Diplomate AAMFT Approved Supervisor Professor Emeritus at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis HSPP Psychologist "Ron Richardson's newest book offers a clear, straightforward guide to pastors who want to use a Bowen family systems approach to working with conflicted couples. His experience and wisdom are evident throughout as he describes the theory and practice of this approach and then methodically walks the reader through the entire counseling process. Since pastors often have to deal with couples in distress, this is a significant contribution to the pastoral counseling literature." —Christie Cozad Neuger Senior Scholar in Pastoral Care and Director of the Institute for the Support of Pastoral Ministries United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, Minnesota About the Author: Ronald W. Richardson is former Clinical Director of the North Shore Counseling Center, pastoral counselor, author of many books on family systems theory and is currently a retired pastor living in West Vancouver, BC, Canada. Richardson attended UCLA where he received his BA in English Literature in 1962. He then went on to Princeton Theological Seminary and received his MD in Biblical Studies in 1966. Later, he finished his studies at Colgate/Rochester Divinity School receiving his Doctorate in 1976. Richardson is author of Family Ties That Bind: A Self-Help Guide to Change through Family of Origin Therapy (Self Counsel Press 1984), Birth Order and You: How Your Sex and Position in the Family Affect Your Personality and Relationships (Self Counsel Press 1990), and Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and Congregational Life (Fortress Press 1996). He is a member of various groups including North Puget Sound Presbytery, a Diplomat for American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor for American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He also held many workshops for his work in many different organizations. Currently, Richardson is enjoying retirement and spending it with his wife Lois. They travel, hike, kayak, bike and cross country ski. And if that's not enough he is also a Certified Ski Instructor in the Canadian Ski Association. |