How to Deal With a Controlling Spouse

When you hear the term “controlling spouse,” you might picture the stereotypical angry husband who barks orders and intimidates his wife through verbal and physical abuse.

Although some men control like that, some control more subtly. They’re not malicious and may not even be aware how their behavior is affecting their family.

Either way, the result is the same: the spouse feels frustrated, powerless, and alone in marriage. Even in loving, Christian relationships, manipulation, anxiety, and fear can lead to unhealthy forms of control between a husband and wife.

The good news is that God can transform a willing heart.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “How to Deal with a Controlling Spouse,” Dr. Ron Welch and his wife Jan will help you transform power and control issues into godly behaviors that will strengthen your relationship and deepen your intimacy.

Dr. Welch is a clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience counseling couples and families. He’s also a professor of counseling at Denver Seminary. Jan tutors special needs students.

Together, they’ve overcome control issues of their own. Dr. Welch’s personal journey as a controlling husband brought his wife, Jan, to the brink of despair. So, they speak from wisdom and experience.

Wives can sometimes be controllers as well, but our conversation is directed toward couples where the husband has control issues that are threatening the well-being of the marriage. Join us on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you feel like you or your children are in an unsafe environment because of violence or abuse, please get help right away. Give us a call. We have marriage specialists who will call you back free of charge, spend some time with you on the phone, and then refer you to a like-minded counselor in your area, if needed. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

And if your marriage is in serious trouble, I want to remind you about Hope Restored. If you’re on the brink of divorce, these marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The intensives take place in three locations: Branson, MO; Greenville, MI; and the WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, GA. The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or visit online.

Dr. Welch’s book The Controlling Husband: What Every Wife Needs to Know is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, visit our website.