Compassion for couples : building the skills of loving connection
/ Michelle Becker ; foreword by Christopher Germer
- xvii, 276 pages : illustrations
Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-263) and index
Part 1. Start where you are : understanding how things go wrong in relationships and how things get better We all need to be loved "Why can't you be here for me?" : understanding what gets in the way "I wish I could fix it!" : resisting pain with problem solving "Do you care?" : finding safe connection "Who will love me?" : ensuring that compassion is always available to you Part 2. Building a foundation for compassion in your relationship : mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness Being present : mindfulness skills to see clearly and quiet reactivity Cultivating connection : strength in common humanity Getting what we need : kindness in three directions Part 3. Putting it into practice : tailoring compassion skills to your relationship "What really matter to us?" : rooting your relationship in your values "How can we really get each other?" : using compassionate communication skills "Can we heal our wounds?" : cultivating the conditions for forgiveness "How do we keep our love alive?" : celebrating positive experiences together