48 Case Studies 12: I Want Out of This Marriage!

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Mable contacted a Christian counselor to address her dissatisfaction with her marriage. During her initial session, she made it clear that she wanted to leave her husband. She rationalized that their marriage had become unfulfilling after seven years, and she longed for the satisfaction and joy she felt when they first met and believed that she deserved it.

Life Over Coffee Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
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Over several sessions, Mable seemed to make progress. She began applying biblical principles to her life, and her outlook on her circumstances started to improve. However, there was a sticking point: her heart toward her husband remained unchanged, and true reconciliation did not occur. Eventually, Mable followed through with her original plan to divorce her husband. She secured a job, rebuilt her life, and enjoyed the initial “honeymoon phase” of her new independence. For a time, she felt relief and satisfaction in her new lifestyle.

As the years passed, however, Mable found herself back in a familiar place of emptiness and discontentment. The relief she had felt faded, and she began to experience the same dissatisfaction that plagued her in her marriage. She contacted her counselor again, seeking help to understand why she remained unfulfilled despite having the life she thought she wanted.

Case Study Questions

1. Where would you begin with Mable? What questions would you ask?
2. What do you think Mable is interpreting as her needs? Why do you believe this?
3. What Scriptures would you use to help Mable see her real problem?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).