CARING, is a method, derived from the application of
psychological principles and research in the field of marriage counseling, as
well as biblical principles applied over the years to the work with couples in
marriage counseling and workshops. This original method guides the practice of
premarital, marital and family counseling at the Family Counseling and Coaching
of Miami.
The letter C stands
for "Commitment", an essential principle to build a
marriage. A couple cannot function effectively without a firm decision to make
the relationship last, even, or specially in the midst
of unfavorable circumstances and turbulent times. The
letter A stands for "Acceptance", the second most important
principle. Without a consistent intent to know each other at a deeper level and
to be accepting of each other, the union may erode under the pressure of the
partners' criticism and contempt, and ultimately end up in estrangement
or dissolution. The letter R is representative of the principle
of "Responsibility", where both members take an unwavering stance to
take their commitment beyond the circumstantial and whimsy and to provide one
another with support, understanding and cooperation. It represents the diligent
reciprocation and timely tending to each other's needs. The letter I stands
for "Influence", or the opportunity that each partner is given to
weigh in the decisions made both, individually and as a couple. Without this,
marriages may be lost in a web of frustration, dissatisfaction and power
struggle. The letter N, for "Narrative" has to do with the
story that the couple has come to identify as its own, one describes their
union and ties together their history. Finally, the letter G is
indicative of "Grace", the principle of undeserved forgiveness, given
with humility and without any expectation of reciprocity. Grace if
provided for purpose of preserving or restoring the relationship, rebuilding
communication and maintaining harmony and connection in the marriage.
This woskshop/group will include teaching, activities and
discussions where the couples will be able to explore and evaluate each of the
principles described above, as they apply to their relationship. They will also
be able to share with the group and offer support and normalization to some of
the issues/challenges they may have in common. This group has shown to be have
a powerful healing and restorative effect on couples who have attended it.