Power, Anger, Trust & Communication in Couples

Course number: CPSY x 753

All relationships have power components. The forms this takes include passive-aggressiveness, breaking agreements, withholding sex, chronic "forgetting," the distance-pursuer dynamic, and outright power struggles.

When couples do not deal with power issues honestly, anger results. Chronic arguing, conflicts that go unresolved, partners deliberately hurting each other, undependable emotional support, and unfair fighting are common results, which often bring couples into treatment.

Trust is hard to maintain in such an environment. We see couples that refuse to negotiate or compromise, partners who keep secrets or lie, relationships that lack the good will necessary for people to self-soothe. In these circumstances, clear communication may not be rational, and the therapist who encourages it may appear foolish or biased.

Power dynamics cannot be eliminated from relationships. What we can do is help couples be more aware of their power dynamics, their respective needs, and the importance of making and keeping agreements.

This workshop will examine how the dynamics of power, anger, trust, and communication interact in couples' systems, and how to treat the challenges they present.

Instructor: Marty Klein, Ph.D.

Friday, October 6, 2006
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Arts & Sciences Wiegand Room
.4 CEU or 4 CE hours
Cost: $95
Approved for: MFT/LCSW RN/LVN/psychologists