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Dear Colleagues, The theoretical approach to working with couples that Dr. Bennet Wong and I have developed is an out growth of our own personal and professional relationship over the past thirty years. We detail our perspective in our books "The Relationship Garden" and "The New Manual For Life." These are described on our website (www.haven.ca). Our approach has been a phenomenological one, based on our investigation of our own relationship, and thousands of clients over the years. The theoretical underpinnings utilize perspectives from existentialism of dialogue. The principles apply not only to marital partners, but also to relationships of other kinds (family, business, friendship, lovers, etc.). Most traditional approaches to working with relationships focus on strategies; we emphasize methods of developing the autonomy and growth of each individual. Partners can embark upon a deepening intimacy together by learning about clear, boundaried interactions. The principles we teach involve the following elements of responsible, respectful communication:sharing, revelation, honesty, inclusion, curiosity, acceptance, self-responsibility (especially no blame), and the responsible and boundaried expression of feelings (including anger and jealousy). Our seminar talks on the video are directed to couples who would like to work earnestly on deepening their own intimate relationship. We outline the principles that partners can use in working on their own relationship project. We published a research paper in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showing the effectiveness of our approach ... Sulzbacher, Wong, McKeen et al: "Long Term Therapeutic Effects of a Three Month Intensive Growth Group", Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol 42, no 4, April 1981. Our vitae are available on the internet at these URLs: — Warm wishes, Jock McKeen, M.D. |
 Jock McKeen and Bennet Wong |