ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a great deal about the extended families of both Michael and Sara, and the impact that both of their families, especially their mothers, had on this couple. In addition to the abusive, anxious, and distant relationship with her mother that was coupled with an alleged history of sexual trauma by the father, Sara had been highly afraid of an older brother, whose emotional dysregulation and violence became constant within the family. Although Sara's depression was always significant in their marriage, both Sara and Michael agreed that their marital problems worsened after the birth of their daughter. While growing up, Michael had been his mother's favorite; he consoled her when she was troubled, while she praised him for his competence, maturity, and professional success. By contrast, his three brothers had done poorly in adulthood, as they remained dependent upon their parents in several ways.
