| Summary: | Ann Vernon works with a woman who is trying to decide whether to divorce her husband after many years of putting up with behavior that she describes as selfish, impulsive, and disregarding of family needs. She has learned to voice her concerns but has developed a pattern of "giving in," which leads to an absence of consequences and her feeling of being a "pushover." The marriage has been strained by her husband's infidelity, which occurred two years ago, and by repeated financial setbacks, including evictions that have forced the family to move in first with the woman's sister and then with her mother. The woman is presently working two jobs, finishing her BA degree, and caring for two children. Her husband is self-employed and helps with family duties. In Session 5, the client reports that, although her homework revealed an entrenched pattern of lows, the relationship is presently in a happy phase in response to the departure of her mother. Vernon explores the potential strengths in the relationship and suggests an experiment as a way to reduce anxiety that divorce is a mistake. She asks the client to suggest a regular "date night" to her husband and to track his responses and behavior for three months. If the relationship improves, continue the experiment; if not, more evidence is available to support the divorce.
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