Currently I am working on a workbook entitled “26 Weeks to a Healthier Marriage”.

This workbook takes a couple though 26 sessions of “do-it-yourself” marriage therapy. It is set up so that with 26 weeks of one-hour sessions together, a couple can guide themselves through the typical issues most marriages have to confront in marriage counseling, with the goal of improving communication around these topics.

Each chapter begins with an article addressing a specific topic. The topics are modeled after typical sessions that couples have to address in marriage counseling, like handling money issues, working as a team with your children, and issues of sexual intimacy. Topics include the areas that most concern couples about marriage. The purpose is to provide guidance for the couple showing them their marital strengths as well as the arenas that need improvement.

Individuals are given space in the workbook to write down their thoughts and feelings about each topic. After both have written their answers to the questions, the workbooks are exchanged and each person gets to read their partners responses to the questions asked. This gives each partner time to see how their partner feels about issues that might at first be difficult to discuss. By reading your partners responses, you can assimilate the information you need to receive without the difficult emotions that often arise when couples begin talking about emotionally charged issues.

After writing your own comments, and reading your partners responses, structured time is established for each partner to talk about the issues raised. This format assists the couple continue the communication necessary for marital improvement.

Communication is the medicine that heals all marital problems. The workbook will help you identify the issues of strength and the issues that need improvement within your marriage.

Watch for this workbook to be available soon.