Theory Critique: Cloud and Townsend
Theory Critique: Cloud and Townsend
B. J.
Liberty University
Theory Critique: Cloud and Townsend
Summary
Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend (1999) have created a comprehensive work titled Boundaries in Marriage. In this book they have outlined what boundaries are and what can be done to create healthy boundaries within a marriage. First, let’s look at the definition of boundaries. Cloud & Townsend (1999) define this as “a property line” (p. 17). In other words in a marriage it is a set of rules that a person sets for themselves so that they can control their emotions; this is also known as ownership. A person must find that ownership within themselves to avoid trying to control or put blame on the other person; this can also be called responsibility. Cloud & Townsend (1999) state that “boundaries help us to determine who is responsible for what. If we understand who owns what, we then know who must take responsibility for it” (p. 20). Once a person has ownership and responsibility then they can begin to have freedom. Freedom is knowing that a person has control over themselves instead of others. The triangles of boundaries consist of: freedom, responsibility, and love. Once a person has developed a sense of freedom and responsibility within themselves then they are free to love. This is called a triangle of boundaries because it is an on-going cycle. Cloud & Townsend (1999) state that “love creates more freedom that leads to more responsibility, which leads to more and more ability to love” (p. 26). Once all these things have been established then a person will need to create a protection “to keep the bad out and allow the good in” (Cloud & Townsend, 1999, p. 26). Now that we know the basics of boundaries we must look at applying those boundaries in a marriage. Cloud & Townsend (1999) speaks of the ten laws of boundaries within a marriage. Those laws are listed as: “The Law of Sowing and Reaping, The Law of Responsibility, The
B. J.
Liberty University
Theory Critique: Cloud and Townsend
Summary
Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend (1999) have created a comprehensive work titled Boundaries in Marriage. In this book they have outlined what boundaries are and what can be done to create healthy boundaries within a marriage. First, let’s look at the definition of boundaries. Cloud & Townsend (1999) define this as “a property line” (p. 17). In other words in a marriage it is a set of rules that a person sets for themselves so that they can control their emotions; this is also known as ownership. A person must find that ownership within themselves to avoid trying to control or put blame on the other person; this can also be called responsibility. Cloud & Townsend (1999) state that “boundaries help us to determine who is responsible for what. If we understand who owns what, we then know who must take responsibility for it” (p. 20). Once a person has ownership and responsibility then they can begin to have freedom. Freedom is knowing that a person has control over themselves instead of others. The triangles of boundaries consist of: freedom, responsibility, and love. Once a person has developed a sense of freedom and responsibility within themselves then they are free to love. This is called a triangle of boundaries because it is an on-going cycle. Cloud & Townsend (1999) state that “love creates more freedom that leads to more responsibility, which leads to more and more ability to love” (p. 26). Once all these things have been established then a person will need to create a protection “to keep the bad out and allow the good in” (Cloud & Townsend, 1999, p. 26). Now that we know the basics of boundaries we must look at applying those boundaries in a marriage. Cloud & Townsend (1999) speaks of the ten laws of boundaries within a marriage. Those laws are listed as: “The Law of Sowing and Reaping, The Law of Responsibility, The
References: Adams, J. E. (1986). How to help people change. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI. Backus, W. & Chapian, M. (1980). Telling yourself the truth. Bethany House Publishers: Minneapolis, MN. Cloud, H. & Townsend, J. (1999). Boundaries in marriage. Zondervan: Grand Rapids, MI. Hawkins, R. E. (2013). Counseling 507, Week 1, Lecture 1. Strategy for intervention. [Powerpoint]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.