Kaufman also developed an interview format that emphasizes a life story in

contrast to a clinical history. The life story is a personal perspective and

overview of one�s life. The life story may be a better reflection of the self
than a clinical conceptualization. An accurate and humane combination of a
history and a life story works well.
The nature of intimacy is a crucial dimension in working with older couples.
A crucial principle is that intimacy is a balance of control and vulnerability
in a committed relationship. Both partners need to influence the relationship;
to be able to get their own needs met, yet still sustain a climate where it is
safe to be vulnerable. Intimacy is a balance of commitment, influence, and
the safety to make one�s needs known and honored. This intimacy is not a
pseudo-mutuality, however. A poignant quote by George Bernard Shaw suggests,
�If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.�
It is also helpful to consider the notion of a creative relationship. The
psychologist Rollo May in The Courage to Create (1975), suggested that creativity
in art, literature, and music is also a balance of form and passion.
Loving relationships must balance form and passion (guided by sincere
commitment) in order for a relationship to stay vital. When counseling couples,
relationships may need change if a relationship has become stagnant.
At other junctures, life�s challenges and changes (e.g., financial problems,
medical troubles, or lost relationships) call for stabilization and recommitment.
Form and passion help us understand and plan the task and scope of
therapy. Does the couple need change�or integration?

Kaufman also developed an interview format that emphasizes a life story in

contrast to a clinical history. The life story is a personal perspective and
overview of one�s life. The life story may be a better reflection of the self
than a clinical conceptualization. An accurate and humane combination of a
history and a life story works well.
The nature of intimacy is a crucial dimension in working with older couples.
A crucial principle is that intimacy is a balance of control and vulnerability
in a committed relationship. Both partners need to influence the relationship;
to be able to get their own needs met, yet still sustain a climate where it is
safe to be vulnerable. Intimacy is a balance of commitment, influence, and
the safety to make one�s needs known and honored. This intimacy is not a
pseudo-mutuality, however. A poignant quote by George Bernard Shaw suggests,
�If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.�
It is also helpful to consider the notion of a creative relationship. The
psychologist Rollo May in The Courage to Create (1975), suggested that creativity
in art, literature, and music is also a balance of form and passion.
Loving relationships must balance form and passion (guided by sincere
commitment) in order for a relationship to stay vital. When counseling couples,
relationships may need change if a relationship has become stagnant.
At other junctures, life�s challenges and changes (e.g., financial problems,
medical troubles, or lost relationships) call for stabilization and recommitment.
Form and passion help us understand and plan the task and scope of
therapy. Does the couple need change�or integration?

Kaufman also developed an interview format that emphasizes a life story in

contrast to a clinical history. The life story is a personal perspective and
overview of one�s life. The life story may be a better reflection of the self
than a clinical conceptualization. An accurate and humane combination of a
history and a life story works well.
The nature of intimacy is a crucial dimension in working with older couples.
A crucial principle is that intimacy is a balance of control and vulnerability
in a committed relationship. Both partners need to influence the relationship;
to be able to get their own needs met, yet still sustain a climate where it is
safe to be vulnerable. Intimacy is a balance of commitment, influence, and
the safety to make one�s needs known and honored. This intimacy is not a
pseudo-mutuality, however. A poignant quote by George Bernard Shaw suggests,
�If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.�
It is also helpful to consider the notion of a creative relationship. The
psychologist Rollo May in The Courage to Create (1975), suggested that creativity
in art, literature, and music is also a balance of form and passion.
Loving relationships must balance form and passion (guided by sincere
commitment) in order for a relationship to stay vital. When counseling couples,
relationships may need change if a relationship has become stagnant.
At other junctures, life�s challenges and changes (e.g., financial problems,
medical troubles, or lost relationships) call for stabilization and recommitment.
Form and passion help us understand and plan the task and scope of
therapy. Does the couple need change�or integration?

Kaufman also developed an interview format that emphasizes a life story in

contrast to a clinical history. The life story is a personal perspective and
overview of one�s life. The life story may be a better reflection of the self
than a clinical conceptualization. An accurate and humane combination of a
history and a life story works well.
The nature of intimacy is a crucial dimension in working with older couples.
A crucial principle is that intimacy is a balance of control and vulnerability
in a committed relationship. Both partners need to influence the relationship;
to be able to get their own needs met, yet still sustain a climate where it is
safe to be vulnerable. Intimacy is a balance of commitment, influence, and
the safety to make one�s needs known and honored. This intimacy is not a
pseudo-mutuality, however. A poignant quote by George Bernard Shaw suggests,
�If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.�
It is also helpful to consider the notion of a creative relationship. The
psychologist Rollo May in The Courage to Create (1975), suggested that creativity
in art, literature, and music is also a balance of form and passion.
Loving relationships must balance form and passion (guided by sincere
commitment) in order for a relationship to stay vital. When counseling couples,
relationships may need change if a relationship has become stagnant.
At other junctures, life�s challenges and changes (e.g., financial problems,
medical troubles, or lost relationships) call for stabilization and recommitment.
Form and passion help us understand and plan the task and scope of
therapy. Does the couple need change�or integration?