ABSTRACT
This paper describes some common characteristics of 13 cases in which one marital partner initiated therapy because the other partner was undecided about continuing their marriage. The initiating clients wanted their marriages to continue even if they were unrewarding. They resisted change and denied that change might be taking place. They saw themselves as helpless victims. They were passive, non-assertive, dependent, enmeshed, and had low self-esteem. Those clients who made the most dramatic changes were those who could turn their attention from the ambivalent spouse to their own growth.
