Making Intimate Connections: Seven Guidelines for Great Relationships and Better Communication (Rebuilding Books) [Paperback]

Albert Ellis (Author), Ted Crawford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000 | Series: Rebuilding Books, for Divorce and Beyond

This is the first book to apply Dr. Ellis's famous "Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy" principles to intimate relationships. The seven guidelines for better couple communication offered in this user-friendly guide emphasize non-blaming acceptance, integrity, mutual support, appreciation, replacing irrational ideas and expectations with realistic attitudes. Dozens of real-life couple vignettes show readers how they can readily learn and implement the seven guidelines in their own lives.

Dr. Ellis's realistic, objective perspective provides practical and authoritative guidance couples can use to improve their relationships -- no "pie-in-the-sky" solutions. MAKING INTIMATE CONNECTIONS is an effective resource for couples seeking greater closeness, intimate partners who are willing to make "unilateral" changes, marriage and family therapists -- a breakthrough relationship guide from the father of rational therapy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...clearly points the way to satisfying and lasting intimacy... filled with wise and rational alternatives... easy-to-follow... a gem." -- Arnold A. Lazarus, Ph.D., ABPP, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Rutgers University

"...down-to-earth book... reflects... practical wisdom about intimate communication... useful to practitioners and clients alike. I recommend it highly." -- Michael Mahoney, Ph.D., Author of HUMAN CHANGE PROCESSES and CONSTRUCTIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

"...for people who have spent a lifetime messing up their relationships with other people... I recommend it very, very strongly..." -- William Glasser, M.D., Author of REALITY THERAPY IN ACTION

"...of interest to all who labor in the field of marriage counseling..." -- Raymond Corsini, Ph.D., Editor of CURRENT PSYCHOTHERAPIES and HANDBOOK FOR INNOVATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPIES

"A breath of fresh air... Seven simple guidelines to improving interpersonal communication -- New, easy to apply and fun to follow." -- Cyril M. Franks, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Graduate School, Rutgers University

From the Publisher

Books in the Rebuilding Books series "for divorce and beyond" are written for those considering divorce, going through divorce, or rebuilding their lives after divorce. Inspired by the work of renowned divorce therapist, Dr. Bruce Fisher, the Rebuilding Books offer expert information and practical self-help procedures. These straightforward, life-affirming resources can help make the divorce process easier, healthier, and less painful, leading to more-fulfilled lives and stronger "second-time" relationships.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 149 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publishers (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230331
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230330
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #385,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love skills, December 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Intimate Connections: Seven Guidelines for Great Relationships and Better Communication (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

This book is unique because it teaches concrete skills that people can use to improve their relationships. The point is that if people are responsible for themselves and their own thoughts and emotions and unilaterally accept others, they will feel happier in their relationships, be more open to improving their own weaknesses with their partner's help, influence their partners positively, and accept their own and their partner's flaws. It's probably most helpful for people who are already in committed relationships but have reached a kind of "standoff" or withdrawal from their partners, but know they still love them and want to re-connect. On the other hand, the 7 basic skills presents in this book would benefit us all and are useful in all types of relationships, from friendship to parent/child and spouse.

9 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a book for lay people, December 14, 2003

By 

still learning "old student" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Making Intimate Connections: Seven Guidelines for Great Relationships and Better Communication (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

I found the book very fragmented with examples with which I could not relate in any way. Although I like Albert Ellis's books, I try to use his REBT in my life everyday, I found that book, co written by Ted Crawford, was a lot about Ted Crawford and his marriage, and not enough about how lay people reading the book can gain insight into helping their marriages.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not My Cup of Tea, May 7, 2010

By 

Jeanne Scott (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Making Intimate Connections: Seven Guidelines for Great Relationships and Better Communication (Rebuilding Books) (Paperback)

Not a big fan of the works of Ellis. This one is no exception. Hard to understand and hard to finish the book.