CC22 Panel 01 - Couples and Motivation - Peter Pearson, PhD; Tammy Nelson, PhD; William Doherty, PhD; Elliott Connie, MA, LPC
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- Not yet rated
- Topic Areas:
- Topical Panels | Couples Therapy | Motivation | Therapist Development
- Bundle(s):
- Couples Conference 2022
- Categories:
- Couples Conference | Couples Conference 2022
- Faculty:
- Peter Pearson, PhD | Tammy Nelson, PhD | William Doherty, PhD | Elliott Connie, MA, LPC
- Course Levels:
- Master Degree or Higher in Health-Related Field
- Duration:
- 57:36
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Original Program Date:
- Jun 24, 2022
- License:
- Never Expires.
Description
Motivational factors may be central in the life of a couple. The panel will describe conflicts due to motivational factors and provide therapeutic options.
Learning Objectives
1. List three ways that motivational factors affect relationships.
2. Describe three methods of addressing motivation with couples.
Outline:
Panel Introduction
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Jeff Zigg introduces the topic of motivation in couples therapy.
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Format: 10 minutes per speaker, 10 minutes of panel discussion, 10 minutes of audience Q&A.
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Elliot Connie opens the discussion.
Elliot Connie – Solution-Focused Approach
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Treat all clients as motivated, even if they don’t appear so.
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Shared story of a man who sought therapy after loss, showing hidden motivation.
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Emphasis: be useful to clients; illuminate what already motivates them.
Bill Doherty – Discernment Counseling
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Introduces "leaning in" vs. "leaning out" partners.
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Describes mixed agenda couples—one wants to save the relationship, the other is unsure.
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Uses discernment counseling to help couples clarify if they want to repair or separate.
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Focus on understanding each partner’s motivation and readiness.
Tammy Nelson – Erotic and Emotional Motivation
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Couples often come to therapy wanting to fix the other person.
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Motivation hinges on balancing connection and freedom, which can feel threatening.
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Shared example of erotic work helping reconnect a couple.
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Advocates for building a shared vision and mission for relational change.
Pete Pearson – Motivation as Action and Risk
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Defined motivation as sustained effort despite fear.
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Emphasizes building trust and teamwork in the couple dynamic.
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Encourages creating a new relational model that makes the old one obsolete.
Interactive Discussion
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Tammy stresses importance of a shared mission to drive motivation.
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Pete reinforces teamwork and asks meaningful questions to build understanding.
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Elliot emphasizes viewing couples as a functional team, helping them reconnect to love.
Audience Q&A Highlights
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Rebuilding intimacy after infidelity: Tammy explains “erotic recovery.”
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Outcome vs. strategy: Elliot suggests focusing on desired results first.
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Pete asks, “What would make you glad if it could happen?” to surface real goals.
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Bill notes the challenge of limited-session motivation and maximizing impact quickly.
Credits
Faculty
Peter Pearson, PhD Related Seminars and Products
Peter Pearson, Ph.D., has specialized in helping couples transform their relationships. He and his wife, Dr. Ellyn Bader are pioneers in the field of couples therapy, creating The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and founding The Couples Institute long before couples therapy was recognized as a specialty. As a therapist, workshop leader, author, and speaker, Pete is dedicated to helping couples create extraordinary relationships. He and his wife have been featured on over 50 radio and television programs including “The Today Show” and “CBS Early Morning News.”
William Doherty, PhD Related Seminars and Products
William J. Doherty is an educator, researcher, therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and community organizer. He is Professor and Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the Department of Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, at the University of Minnesota, where he is also an adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Elliott Connie, MA, LPC Related Seminars and Products
Elliott Connie is a solution focused therapist with his private practice based in Keller, TX. Elliott specializes in using the solution focused approach to work with couples. He is the co-author of the book The Art of Solution Focused Therapy, and his second book, Solution Building in Couples Therapy, was released in 2012. His latest book, The Solution Focused Marriage: 5 Simple Habits That Will Bring Out the Best in Your Relationship, is now available.
Elliott has traveled throughout the United States and Europe, including the UK, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Russia, South Africa and Canada, training psychotherapists to work more effectively with couples, and helping couples to build more satisfying relationships.