The Oprah Winfrey Show
Uncover Childhood Wounds

HarvilleIf you are constantly fighting about unwashed dishes, says Dr. Hendrix, "It's not about the dishes...there's a symbolic connection...that triggers a deeper feeling."

Dr. Hendrix says that intense and reoccurring arguments are a good indicator that one or both partners have unresolved childhood pain such as abandonment, rejection, smothering, shame or helplessness.

Uncover Your Childhood Wounds Worksheet
WorkbookWork on this exercise individually to start uncovering your unresolved childhood issues that may be affecting your marriage.

Couples Exercise
When you are in the midst of an argument, try asking yourself these four questions to get at the root of your pain. Have your partner do the same.

How do I feel when my partner acts this way?
What thoughts do I have when my partner acts this way?
What deeper feelings might underlie these thoughts and feelings?
Did I ever have these same thoughts and feelings when I was a child?

 From the shows What Your Marriage is Trying to Teach You and Getting the Love You Want
Why You Chose Your Partner - The Imago Theory
Uncover Childhood Wounds
 — Uncovering Childhood Wounds Worksheet
Intentional Dialogue Exercise
 — Mirroring
 — Validating
 — Empathizing
 — "The Gift"