ABSTRACT
This chapter reveals what happens with our three couples as they continue to engage with their personal objectives and past injuries. Change does not come in a straight line trajectory. Dick ignores Renee’s needs once more. She snaps at him. However he responds more constructively and more quickly this time. The relationship is still not free from its regular conflict, but the recovery time after an argument is clearly reduced.
Gradually, over 35 to 40 sessions, the outcome between the couples becomes much less about how to manage the fight and much more about long term shifts in personality. For example, Liz reports that Rob regularly asks about her day and listens carefully to her reactions. He no longer interrupts with his own anxieties – formerly a major issue for this couple.
