We firmly believe that no other institution can help us grow into our best and most complete selves quite like marriage can. Additionally, we are convinced that when both partners actively collaborate to heal past wounds and cultivate a genuinely loving partnership, there is nothing more sublime on earth. 

This type of love does not come effortlessly; it demands the development of skills for managing conflict, such as self-confrontation, effective communication, recognizing and addressing resentment, honesty, and trust. Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife states that “Marriage is a divine institution precisely because it pushes us away from selfish love towards mature love—love that is freely given, where we choose to care for and invest in another person even when they let us down…truly loving someone despite disappointment or disapproval is virtuous.” We define virtue as the strength we develop by dedicating ourselves to living consistently with integrity (being true to who we desire to be in this world). 

While marriage has the potential to create immense joy, it can also be a source of profound pain and suffering. Addiction, trauma, infidelity, and damaging relationship patterns can create wounds within the relationship that may seem impossible to heal. However, if both individuals are committed to embracing the process of couples therapy and each one authentically invests themselves in this journey, healing and recovery are entirely achievable. 

We have had the honor of working with courageous couples by employing skills and concepts from the Gottman method-–focusing on building trust, navigating conflict effectively, and enhancing friendship—as well as our own approach which incorporates practical techniques inspired by Dr. David Schnarch’s work along with insights from Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, aimed at promoting higher consciousness in reactions and communication. This collaborative effort has fostered greater intimacy and resilience while deepening love, honesty, safety, healing, and friendship among those we’ve been fortunate enough to assist.