The present article features two problem-solving activities for couples for improving their relationship. The first is called The One Hour Conference. It consists of a suggested format for couples to dialogue both areas of concern and perceived strengths in their partnership. The second activity is a developmental six-step model in which the specific skills of cooperation, autonomy, intimacy, encouragement, and balance are highlighted. A case study and 15 additional problem-solving activities featured in past “for couples” columns conclude the article.
BauteP.EcksteinD. (l993). Rules for a structured separation. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 2, 276.
2.
EcksteinD. (l994). Force-field analysis as an aid in decision making for couples. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 2, 371–372.
3.
EcksteinD. (1999). Styles of conflict management. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 6, 239–242.
4.
EcksteinD. (2002). Walls and windows: Closing and opening behaviors for couples and families. The Family Journal: Counseling and therapy for couples and families, 10, 343–344.
5.
EcksteinD.JunkinsE.McBrienR. (2003). Ha, ha, ha: improving couple and family healthy humor quotient (HHQ). The Family Journal: Counseling and therapy for couples and families,11, 301–305.
6.
EcksteinD.LeeC.LinY. (2008). The use of Ed DeBono’s ‘six-thinking hats problem-solving technique with couples. The Family Journal: Counseling and therapy for couples and families, 16, 254–257.
7.
EcksteinD.SperberM., & McRae. (2009). Forgiveness: Another Relationship “F word”- A couple’s Dialogue. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families. 17, 256–262.
8.
EcksteinD.WelchD.GamberV. (2001). The process of early recollection reflection (PERR) for couples and families. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 9, 203–209.
9.
GarrisonR.EcksteinD. (2009). Four couples’ sleep satisfaction interviews: Recommendations for improving your nights together. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families17, 58–63.
10.
GinsburgP.EcksteinD. (2010). The Staying together in needy times (STINT) couples questionnaire. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families18, 310–320.
11.
HydockR.EcksteinD. (2006). Help me help you: The 4-factor goal support system. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 14, 113–118.
12.
JonesJ.EcksteinD. (l999). Thirty-three suggestions for couple’s conflict resolution. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 6, 334–336.
13.
MillirenA.MillirenM.EcksteinD. (2007). Combining socratic questions with the “ADAPT” problem-solving model: Implications for couple’s conflict resolution. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families15, 415–419.
14.
NelsonJ.LiC.EcksteinD.AneP.MullenerW. (2008). Antidotes for infidelity and prescriptions for long lasting relationships: Four couples’ activities. The Family Journal: Counseling and therapy for couples and families16, 375–378.
15.
WillhiteR.EcksteinD. (2003). The angry, the angrier, and the angriest relationships. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 11, 202–209.
16.
AdlerA. (1957/1981). Understanding human nature. New York, NY: Fawcett.
17.
EcksteinD. (2000). The four directions of encouragement. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 8, 406–415.
18.
EcksteinD. (2013). The couples match book: activities for lighting, rekindling, or extinguishing the flame. Bloomington, IN: Trafford.
19.
EcksteinD.CookeP. (2005). The seven methods of encouragement for couples. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 13, 342–350.
20.
GottmanJ.SilverN. (1999). The seven principles of making a marriage work. New York, NY: Crown.
21.
HaleyJ. (1980). Uncommon therapy. New York, NY: Norton.