Worthington, E. Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling: A Guide to Brief Therapy

Running Head : THEOLOGY OF MARRIAGE

Theology of Marriage : Brief and Hope Focused Marriage Counseling

Name

University

Summary

In 2005 , Worthington published a book entitled Hope Focused Marriage Counseling : A Guide to Brief Therapy , which centers on the ways in which couples can be helped to save their marriages through counseling which places emphasis on quick solutions . Worthington calls attention to six major aspects of counseling , which involve the therapeutic relationship as the key to effective counseling , the goal of producing stronger marriages , the focus of promoting hope , the strategy

of valuing love faith , and work , assessment based targets for change , and powerful and flexible interventions . In other words , it is important to note that it is essential for the counselor to maintain a good relationship with each partner , to support the aim of marital reconciliation , to remain committed to positive solutions , to apply faith working through love , to plan a strategy for change , and to sensibly activate the plan

As far as having a philosophy about possible interventions is concerned , Worthington notes that couples benefit from interventions which focus on central values , a core vision , confession and forgiveness , communication , conflict resolution , altering cognition stimulating closeness , cementing commitment , and couple commencement These nine areas of marriage counseling are good jumping points from which the counselor and couple can begin planning and carrying out interventions . All of these areas stem from a central belief in God love , and goodness , taking into consideration the positive nature of every person . Each partner is viewed...