Are you and/or the children currently in physical danger? If so, what immediate steps can be taken for you and/or the children to be safe? Do you have a place of temporary shelter?
Would you share with me an example of how you and your spouse make a decision? What does that look like? Feel like?
How often are you able to please the people around you? Honestly, how important is it to you that they are pleased?
Complete the following statement: “When I want to voice my frustration I feel ___________ because_________________.”
How have you tried to get along with this person in the past? What were the results of that effort?
Have you ever tried to remove yourself from this person’s control? How did that work out? What was their reaction?
Do you feel free to be yourself around this person or do you feel confined for any reason? Can you elaborate?
Do you find yourself adapting to this controlling person just to keep the peace, even though it makes you angry inside?
How long has emotional control been a part of this relationship? Has it always been like this? If not, what changed?
Who do you believe God created you to be? Do you see yourself moving in that direction? Why or why not?
Many people who are controlling others or who allow others to control them experienced a controlling relationship in their developmental years, so it feels normal to them. What do you understand about yours or your spouse’s past that may be contributing to your behavior patterns? Are you willing to turn away from those patterns and seek God’s way in the future?
God does not intend for any person to control another person or to be controlled. Will you commit to working toward changing your part of this controlling relationship—refusing to control or refusing to be controlled?
Which of these statements best reflects your position in dealing with a problem: “We can work through this together” or “Peace at all costs.” On what basis did you decide?
What is your understanding about the role of both husband and wife in a marriage? Have you ever learned what the Bible says about those roles? How important is that to you? Can we explore a little of what the Bible says together?
What is your understanding of the biblical idea of “submission?” What is your spouse’s understanding?
What is one step you can take in the right direction and how can I help you do that?
