Is it appropriate to end therapy and suggest divorce if their Fondness and Admiration system is dead?

The answer indicates that it is not appropriate to end therapy and suggest divorce solely based on the state of the Fondness and Admiration system. In the context of Gottman's Method, the Fondness and Admiration system is crucial for maintaining emotional connection and intimacy between partners. However, the presence or absence of fondness does not singularly determine the viability of a marriage.

Ending therapy should not be a hasty decision; it usually requires a thorough assessment of various factors affecting the relationship beyond the Fondness and Admiration system. Couples therapy aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and restore comfort and security to the relationship. While a lack of fondness can indicate deeper issues, Gottman's approach is more comprehensive and advocates for understanding the couples’ dynamics, exploring underlying concerns, and potentially enhancing emotional connections before discussing divorce as an option.

Therapy can provide an opportunity for couples to develop skills for conflict resolution and intimacy that may revive their relationship, even if they currently struggle with admiration and fondness for one another. Couples are encouraged to work on their emotional bank accounts and overall relationship health, making a final decision about divorce something to be addressed after considerable work in therapy. This approach fosters a supportive environment, allowing couples to explore their feelings thoroughly before making