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While doing a research on controlling spouses, accidentally I fell upon quite a
few articles which prove how greatly cultures differ in their trends in counseling
which I would like to share.
I spotted an article from the Jamaica Gleaner (A Jamaican Newspaper) and the topic
was in relation to spousal abuse. Note here, that many societies equate a controlling spouse to an abusive spouse. What I found intriguing is that the counselors do not advise the clients to obtain a separation and/or divorce. Having

been in counseling, myself, because of such abuse in my first marriage I know that
counselors not only stress that the victim leaves the abuser but also they prepare
them to have the courage to do so. That is of utmost priority in America.
While still trying to find more information about controlling spouses, I found a website dedicated to spousal abuse in the Middle East. Again, they equate controlling spouses with mates that are abusive. Knowing what I do about spousal
abuse made it a bit easier to understand what they were trying to get across.
They suggests that the victim turn to an elder for help. I don't think that they
meant a spiritual leader but they may have. I took this as seeking help from someone
older with knowledge. Anyhow, the point that I am trying to get across is that
there are differences between cultures in their therapeutic approach. I am certain
they look at our practices somewhat foreign as we do theirs.
What's important is that there is sufficient help internationally for those who seek
it. Each culture does it's best to help those with emotional needs.

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