Social workers routinely encounter patients who are experiencing problems in their personal relationships, in clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities and community centers, and in home visits. These difficulties may range from poor communication to serious disagreements and arguments, to verbal abuse and physical violence perpetrated by one partner on another or a parent on a child. Many patients may be involved in a relationship that is clearly "dysfunctional" and even harmful, yet the person does not seem able to extricate themselves from it. Others may be involved in relationships that are relatively stable and less problematic, yet they will tend to have the same disagreements or arguments repeatedly. These relationship difficulties can cause individuals significant stress and aggravation, undermine their well-being, potentially contribute to health problems, and in some cases can put individuals in considerable danger.