Dear Friends, “Will my kids be okay?” “Our kids have seen too much already.” “I don’t want them to think this is what love looks like.” If you’re going through hard times in your marriage, maybe you’ve asked questions like these. When my husband Carey and I went through our dark season of marriage…
Dear Friends, Chances are, you know several people among family and friends who face mental health struggles. Maybe right now, it’s you. If so, you’re in good company, because around 20% of the population is struggling with a mental health issue of some sort, whether it be anxiety, depression, ADHD or other. That’s why Dr.…
Dear Friends, While I realize that Noah and I have plenty of mountains and valleys to travel in the years ahead, we’ve experienced growth and victories even in the start of our journey. Here are a few highlights that have stood out as we’ve walked through the beginning of our marriage. In our engagement season,…
Dear Friends, In my years of experience counseling married couples, I’ve seen firsthand that even under the most ideal of circumstances, marriage can be tough! The joining of two people with distinct backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives is a beautiful thing, but it’s guaranteed to come with challenges as well. And if marriage can be tough,…
Dear Friends, Love is a sacrifice. We should treat our spouse as someone of great value and care for their needs. But sacrifice should be motivated by love, not fear. I keep a file of old news articles — it’s my “I’ll get around to it” file. The coronavirus quarantine has given me the chance…
Dear Friends, Marriage struggles are normal. But often, couples ask, “Is divorce the right answer?” These 15 questions will help you evaluate your marriage. Mike and Sandy* came to see me for marriage therapy. They struggled with one of the most challenging questions a married couple can ask: Is divorce the right answer? It’s a high-stakes question…
Dear Friends, The qualities of common kindness, honesty, empathy, loyalty and trust are gifts that each spouse gives to the other. This friendship foundation enhances relationship happiness throughout the marriage. Before we began to date, Greg and I were friends for more than three years. We attended the same college and had classes together. I…
Dear Friends, What is a healing separation? A healing separation (also known as a trial or therapeutic separation) is temporary and structured time apart to help a couple heal their broken relationship. During this time, the couple works toward individual healing and growth. They also evaluate and change dysfunctional patterns and behaviors in their marriage.…
Dear Friends, Do you feel miles apart in your marriage? When you’ve just said your “I-do”s, it’s hard to imagine ever drifting like this. Then, as the years go on and pressures of finances, kids and careers add up, you wake up one day feeling like two strangers in a foreign land. How did you…
Dear Friends, Marriage is great. But marriage is hard. And sometimes, staying married might even seem to be too hard. Do any of these situations fit the current status of your relationship? You’re currently separated from your spouse and you’re wondering if you can ever get back together. You’re only staying together “for the kids”…