ABSTRACT
Taking Ownership is a technique that encourages individuals to accept the responsibility for their behavior, which may include becoming aware of the underlying purposes of the choices they make in the relationship. With this focus, counselors want to move the couple away from blaming their partners to accepting responsibility for the choices they are making and understanding they have power to choose differently. There are several ways that counselors can encourage couples to Take Ownership. The counselor should provide the psychoeducation about the change process. There are several aspects to keep in mind when incorporating the technique with couples. Counselors should remain aware of their biases that could impact how the technique comes across. Counselors may also be cautious when using this technique in the case of working with couples who have a history of or are experiencing domestic violence.
