When you experience
conflict in your marriage, try these steps as a way
of interrupting the negative cycle: (a)
Clarify, in your own minds and with each other, what you aren't getting from the marriage (e.g. affirmation, affection, sexual satisfaction), (b) Concentrate, not on the
areas in which your needs are mutually exclusive or contradictive, but on the «
areas of overlap» (20)
of your two need systems.
Dr. Pickar helps parents
clarify their
areas of agreement and disagreement, assists them to resolve
areas of conflict, and to consider various options for reaching a parenting plan agreement.
This helps couples increase their awareness
of potential
areas of conflict,
clarify relationship expectations, improve communication and proactively plan for the kind
of relationship they want to have.