Description

"Overflowing with insights, advice and exercises which add up to the solutions that may save a failing marriage or make a good relationship better." --Dennis Wholey, author of The Courage to Change

With eloquence and accessibility, world-renowned psychiatrist Dr. Aaron T. Beck--widely hailed as the "father of cognitive behavioral therapy"--analyzes the actual dialogue of troubled couples to illuminate the most common problems in marriage: the power of negative thinking, disillusionment, rigid rules and expectations, and miscommunication.

This landmark book shows you how to apply the principles of cognitive therapy to your own relationship, teaching you to:

Overcome Misunderstandings: Learn to identify the distorted symbolic meanings, mind reading, and biased interpretations that twist communication and create distance between you and your partner.
Resolve Conflicts: Move beyond the clash of perspectives and the tyranny of unspoken rules with a step-by-step framework for troubleshooting disagreements and working together as a team.
Break the Cycle of Negative Thinking: Uncover the silent, automatic thoughts that fuel anger and disillusionment, and learn practical exercises to replace them with more realistic and constructive thinking.
Improve Communication Skills: Based on analysis of actual conversations between couples, this guide reveals how to stop miscommunication, listen effectively, and foster true intimacy and understanding.