My approach to marital therapy or counseling includes several steps and is captured by the words or phrase: Hope.Relief.Freedom. It is important for a couple to have hope that their marriage can be restored and be what they imagined it to be on their wedding day, and to regain this sense of hope from the very first session. Relief comes as they learn relational skills that most people have never been taught. Knowing how to be a loving partner is key to a successful marriage. Freedom comes when they have learned and are practicing the skills necessary for a successful marriage. It is critical that a sense of "us" and teamwork is established throughout the Hope and Relief phases of treatment, which also results in Freedom.
