He smiled his most reassuring smile and asked the young couple to relax. He spoke quietly and steadily, telling them both how lucky they were to have such worthy partners, and how important it was for them to work diligently to maintain each other's happiness. At various times throughout the discussion he asked them to repeat a few simple phrases, and then resumed talking softly and slowly.

Andrew's eyes became glassy and his breathing deep. Rebecca tilted her head forward as though she had fallen asleep sitting up. Dr. Carter asked them both to stand, and wordlessly they both complied. The experienced psychiatrist was confident that both of the attractive...