I have really enjoyed marriage counseling since my first case back in 1999. It is great to see hope return in couples when they see that change is possible in their marriage.

I'm not a marriage expert. I'm single and have never been married. I feel qualified to do marriage counseling based on: 1. My education and training by marriage counselors. 2. Experience working with numerous couples. & 3. Most importantly, guidance, insight, wisdom, and discernment given by the Holy Spirit.

A great number of couples I work with have already been to marriage seminars and may have read relationship-help books. They already have most of the knowledge needed to change their relationship for better. What they need is someone to hold them accountable for putting the knowledge into practice. That is where I can be of value assisting the couple with knowledge application to change their relationship habits.

Every couple is different. A technique that works well with one couple may not work well with another couple. Being single enables me to not have biases based on personal experience with what I believe works best in a marriage.

For Pre-Marital counseling I use Les and Leslie Parrott's series titled, "Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts."

For a great number of Marital counseling cases I use Emerson Eggerichs book titled, "Love & Respect."

Of course I use a Christ centered approach with all my clients. The following is a sample treatment plan for a couple that I have worked with, the names have been removed to maintain confidentiality.

Sample Treatment Plan for a Married Couple:

• Husband & Wife will pray at least once daily for healing, reconciliation, improved communication, and discernment in their marriage.
• Husband & Wife will have some type of Bible study devotional daily to learn and grow in their relationship with the Lord.
• Husband & Wife will get back into church or stay active in church and rededicate their lives and relationship to the Lord.
• Husband & Wife will treat each other as they would like to be treated.
• Husband & Wife will exercise at least 30 minutes daily. Exercising is a very effective stress management technique. When stress is managed better conflict is less likely in relationships.
• Husband & Wife will eat healthy daily and avoid snacking on junk food. They will make sure to get plenty of protein. When possible drink several glasses of water each day. Proper nutrition helps a person think clearer and negotiate relationships more effectively.
• Husband & Wife will get adequate sleep. Adequate sleep helps a person cope more effectively with life and enjoy improved overall health.
• Husband & Wife will have a date night at least twice monthly, weekly if possible.
• Based on what is discussed in counseling....husband & wife will do ------------- on a -------- basis.
• Based on what is discussed in counseling....wife will do ------------- on a daily basis.
• Based on what is discussed in counseling....husband will do ------------- on a daily basis.
• Husband & Wife are going to read, discuss, and apply skills from , "---------------."