The dilemma of what to call what we do and how we describe ourselves is the beginning of an interview with the Cottors. The process and the experience of what we do, the way of relating is more important than what we call it. Helping people to transform themselves and become who they would like to become is a goal that we have. The medical model which is deficit based is not a match for our desires to be strength based and looking for what works. In spite of events that happen that we didn’t plan for and certainly didn’t want to happen, we learn to deal with difficult situations how we language the things that happen to us makes all the difference in our being able to have an attitude of hope and mastery of our lives.
Robert S. Cottor, MD, and Sharon Cottor, MSW, have been conducting training in family therapy and in relationship-based practices for 25 years. In 1980, they founded what is now the Institute for Creative Change as the first family therapy training program in Arizona. The work of the Institute has always reflected Bob and Sharon’s passion for exploring and learning more effective practices for creating intentional change with relationships and organizations. Their journey with change practices has led them into the emerging postmodern world of social constructionism Bob is a Psychiatrist who received his M.D. and advanced training at the University of Minnesota where Sharon also received her B.S. and M.S.W. They practiced in Minnesota and California before moving to Phoenix in 1971 and have practiced together since that time. They have received a Special Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the Field from the Arizona Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and are Associates of the Taos Institute, a consulting group involved with applying social constructionist ideas to family therapy, organizational behavior and other professional practices.

Running Time 31: Minutes