The transgender literature dealing with couple and family dynamics is limited. Married couples with a transgender partner who wish to remain together have minimal information available and few models about how this type of transition might be negotiated. This qualitative study analyzed fourteen cases of the wives of male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals from Virginia Erhardt"s 2007 book, Head over Heels: Wives Who Stay with Cross-Dressers and Transsexuals. The authors used thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to identify and organize key themes in the experiences of wives who stayed with MTF transsexual partners. Themes clustered in three main areas: 1) Intrapersonal, 2) Couple Relationship, and 3) Family and Social Relationships. Conclusions from this study and implications for human service professionals are offered.

This research tested the hypothesis that changing the language of intake procedures could be beneficial. Two randomized studies compared solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) intake procedures with traditional intake procedures. In Study 1, clients completed either a standard written intake form with problem-focused questions or an SFBT Short Intake Form. Clients answering the solution-focused questions described significantly more solutions and significantly fewer problems than the comparison group. Study 2 compared an SFBT intake interview with a DSM-based diagnostic intake interview. Clients in the SFBT intake interview improved significantly on the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ) before their first therapy session, whereas those in the diagnostic intake did not. Both studies demonstrated that intake procedures are not neutral information gathering and that strength-based questions have advantages. Using solution-focused language in intake procedures can change the information that clients provide and even lead to pre-treatment change. Both intake procedures are ready for adoption by practitioners.

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Physical affection and sexual relations are important aspects of most couple relationships. This article examines the extent to which physical intimacy and sexuality are addressed in prominent premarital and relationship education programs in the United States. The six programs reviewed are Premarital Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Couples Communication (CC), The Marriage Survival Kit, Relationship Enhancement (RE), PREPARE/ENRICH, and Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS). Brief summaries of each program's attention to sexuality are provided. The authors offer recommendations for the inclusion of sexuality in relationship education programs, with particular focus on more specific attention to sexuality, and expanded consideration of sexuality for diverse forms of couples, such as same-sex or cohabitating couples.