Ending the Cycle of Violence

After the three-week experiment, Louie and Shannon say the behavior change request exercise has given them a new level of comfort in their relationship. "I feel more secure and I have more of a sense of hope than I've ever had in my entire life," Louie says. "I feel like I've stepped into her shoes and she's stepped into mine."

By really listening to each other, Dr. Hendrix says, couples "become passionate friends. That's what we call a conscious partnership."