I, THOU, AND WE - A DIALOGICAL APPROACH TO COUPLES THERAPY

This paper examines the relational view of the person in Martin Buber' s philosophy of dialogue. Shifts toward the relational are considered in the context of human development, gender studies, psychotherapy, an d family therapy. A dialogical approach to couples therapy is presente d, in which partners are encouraged to move toward a more collaborativ e, empathic relationship-a relationship of ''I and Thou.''