Daniel Eckstein

A Service-Learning Model for At-Risk Adolescents

This article describes a service-learning case study and program description involving the development and the delivery of services in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program for secondary students. Following an overview of the philosophy of constructivist theory applied to the concept of the dissemination of information concerning adolescent service-learning, a description of the service-learning model is featured. Specific recommendations for educators for both involving youth in the planning and then working collaboratively with them in the actual implementation of service oriented community projects are provided.

The Pet Relationship Impact Inventory

Pets are an essential aspect of many families. The present article introduces the Pet Relationship Impact Inventory questionnaire developed by the author. Theoretical input concerning the role of pets in the home concludes the article.

Relationships as a “Three-Legged Sack Race”

The authors introduce the “three-legged sack race” as a metaphor for three contrasting ways of describing a couple’s relationship. The interdependent model has the inside two legs of the couple attached and the outside two legs independent. Enmeshed, or overly dependent couples have all four legs in the sack (no individuation). Conversely, independent couples have all four legs out of the sack (detached). After having an individual self-assess his or her behaviors characterizing each of these styles, the authors present some sample responses based on interviews with 55 adults. Attachment theory is then discussed. The article concludes with implications and applications to one’s own relationship and identifying a “next-steps action plan.”

The Couple's Relationship Satisfaction Inventory (CR51): 21 Points to Help Enhance and Build a Winning Relationship:

The Couples Relationship Satisfaction Inventory consists of 21 specificfactors that have beenfound to be associated with successful relationships. The authors have categorized the following 3 components as critical areas of importance: communication, empathy, and a combined category consisting of trust and negotiation.

Hats off to Problem-Solving with Couples.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how counselors can use de Bonos Six Thinking Hats problem-solving technique in their work with couples. Part 1 of the article focuses on an introduction to the technique, including a theoretical rationale and supporting research. Following a detailed description of the process of using the model as a counseling technique with couples in Part 2, a case study is featured in Part 3. A brief review of the technique and its advantages and limitations in couple counseling concludes the article.

A Dozen Commitment Considerations for Couples

Commitment is one of the most frequently cited descriptors of relationships. However, commitment can mean different things to different people. A common problem for many couples is in the assumption that ones own personal meaning of commitment is the same as ones partner. This article provides an opportunity for couples to interview each other, to learn more specifically just what is in personal “data banks” regarding commitment in their relationships. Although the authors acknowledge that relationship commitment is not static or never changing, they have devised the Couples Commitment Interview to help couples learn more about their conceptions of commitment. The authors also discuss representative research relative to commitment.

Combining Socratic Questions With the “ADAPT” Problem-Solving Model: Implications for Couple's Conflict Resolution

The purpose of the article is to integrate the use of Socratic questions into a developmental problem-solving model for couples. Following an overview to the theory behind the model along with a representative couples case study, a five-phase problem-solving sequence is presented along with representative questions couples can ask each other at each phase of the process.

The Seven Methods of Encouragement for Couples

In this article, the authors introduce seven specific methods of encouragement based on interviews of more than 1,000 people. Examples of the seven methods of encouragement are provided. Couples are invited to interview each other regarding who encouraged them and how they were encouraged using a suggested format developed by the coauthors along with John Jones. Some representative examples of interviews of the seven methods of encouragement are presented. Implications and applications for the couple conclude the article.

Winnie-The-Pooh: A “Honey-Jar” for Me and for You:

Interaction styles and personality profiles were addressed in relationship to cooperative and reluctant expressions in behavior as identified in the Array Interaction Model. Inventories for self and for analyzing relationships to others were included for self-reflection and application to personal and family dynamics. Specific analogies were described with examples from the Disney characters of Winnie-the-Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger, and Eeyore. Theoretical foundations were presented with examples of therapeutic approaches to encourage personal development and bring out the best in self and others. Emphasis was placed on capitalizing individual strengths. Predicted stress responses and needs were identified for varying personality structures. Strategies focused on encouraging people to return to their cooperative responses for productive relationships and work. Implications were given for application to understanding self and others, valuing differences and learning to enjoy and experience life together.

The Couple’s Enneagram Questionnaire (CEQ)

The enneagram is an ancient system designed to help a person better understand her or his primary needs and motivators. In this article, the author has created a questionnaire to assist couples and families in understanding of both one’s own plus one’s partner’s and/or other family members’ primary motivators. Part 1 consists of a 45-item questionnaire. That is followed by an overview to the basic theory on which the enneagram in general and the current Couple’s Enneagram Questionnaire (CEQ) in particular are based. Each partner (or family member) will then predict their primary motivator from nine different typologies. They will then score and profile the questionnaire and compare the results with their initial self-assessment. The ramification and the impact on one’s partnership and/or family membership are then explored as a summary application of the enneagram to one’s partnership and/or family relationships. Directions: Answer each of the following 45 statements about you with respect to you in relationship to your partner using the following 5-point scale: