Empowering Couples

Duane R. Bidwell

ISBN 10: 080066342X / ISBN 13: 9780800663421

Published by Fortress Press (edition ), 2013

About this Item

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.

Seller Inventory # 080066342X-11-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Empowering Couples
• Publisher: Fortress Press (edition )
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080066342X
• ISBN 13: 9780800663421
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

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.

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.