When a couple is in marriage counseling, I often send them on their way with “homework.” You see, weekly marriage counseling sessions will only take you so far. You have to each be willing to put in the time outside of counseling to listen, learn and love. When my wife and I were in marriage counseling, we spent countless nights on the couch reading chapters of a book out loud or discussing questions from a book our counselor had recommended.
Sometimes we listened to podcasts on marriage separately and then discussed them together later. Other times we watched videos which led to more discussion. If you want a healthier marriage, you each have to put in some effort.
Here are three books that I frequently recommend for married couples:
- Boundaries in Marriage by Cloud and Townsend is a book that helps couples identify how to know and respect each other’s needs. I recommend this to couples who are struggling to know how two individuals can work together for a healthy relationship.
- When Sorry Isn’t Enough by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomspon. Gary Chapman wrote the book, “The 5 Love Languages” which you may be familiar with. Most couples who see me in my office are struggling on many levels and learning how to apologize in a way that makes the other spouse feel loved and heard, is a good first step to bringing healing to a marriage, especially in the case of infidelity.
- The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman of the Gottman Institute. My wife and I used this book to talk through significant issues in our marriage several years ago and I recommend this one often to couples. This book really helps couples with practical exercises you can do as they work towards a healthy marriage.
I hope that reading these books will be a blessing to you and your spouse. As always, we are alway here to help with your marriage counseling needs.
Get Connected. Stay Healthy.
Recent Comments