Rebuilding Trust in a Traumatized Relationship: A Spiritual and Psychological Approach

couple in counseling

In any relationship, trust forms the bedrock of emotional intimacy and resilience. However, life sometimes throws experiences at us that damage this critical foundation, leading to a traumatized relationship. Rebuilding trust in such circumstances may appear an insurmountable task, but it isn’t impossible. Through a blend of spiritual and psychological tools, couples can reforge their […]

The Interdependent Symphony of Marriage

husband and wife sitting on couch talking

In the symphony of marriage, 1 Corinthians 11:11, rooted in the Corinthian context, and principles from LDS doctrine harmonize with 1 Corinthians 12 to illuminate the profound interdependency of husbands and wives.

Marriage, Relationships, and The Greenhouse Analogy

greenhouse with vegetables growing

In this world, where societal influences often taint the view of marriage and relationships, there is a pressing need to clarify what truly builds a healthy and strong bond between partners. Despite the wealth of knowledge provided by psychologists and theorists, they sometimes fall short in comparison to insights gained from those who receive revelation […]

Using “The Pattern for Growth” to Fine-tune the Agile Checklist for Becoming Better Husbands

upward growth chart

How can we apply organizational principles and the wisdom of living prophets to become better spouses?  This article explores this concept, blending the principles from Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto,” Agile project management methodology, and the “Pattern for Growth” as provided by our faith in an effort to become better Presiding Husbands. **Simplicity in Complexity** Navigating the […]

8 Steps to Mastering the Art of Presiding in Marriage

husband, wife and family

Once, I thought that marriage was about dividing responsibilities and tasks, but I realized that approach was leading to a cohabitation-style marriage. We lived together, but we weren’t harmoniously linked as a couple.  Through studying hundreds of couples and prayerfully considering the prophets’ teachings, I have discovered a more harmonious approach to marriage. The following […]

Embracing the Role of an Effective Presider

husband and wife with new baby

Thoughts you might add to your Personal Identity Statement As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we recognize the sacred role of a presider in our families. We strive to lead with love, compassion, and an understanding heart, cultivating an environment of unity and growth. In the world of business and […]

The Influence of Good Men

father talking to his son

Recent studies continue to demonstrate the positive connection between having a father in the home and the influence that father’s can have on child development. The presence of a father in the home positivity correlates with higher levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children. Children with involved fathers are less likely to act out […]

Finding Peace in Christ

image of Christ holding out His hands

Elder D. Todd Christofferson said in this last General Conference, “What our Heavenly Father offers us is Himself and His Son, a close and enduring relationship with Them through the grace and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.” (Our Relationship With God, April 2022) My life has been a pursuit of learning the order of […]

Building Emotional Intelligence Part 2

drawing of head with thoughts inside

(Read Part 1 HERE). After I have successfully narrowed down and identified my emotions; where do I go from there? How then do I effectively manage such emotions? While utilizing the emotion/feelings wheel may offer a simple formula toward managing emotions… I will introduce a few more tools that can be utilized. Our first tool […]

Celestial Orientation

compass pointing north

Several years ago, I was pondering what it must be like for a woman, who thought she was in a good and stable marriage, to discover her husband has been participating in significant sexual misbehaviors that are traumatizing to the marriage.   I had recently stood on the east bank of the Mississippi river at […]

The Line-Upon-Line Relapse Prevention Intervention For Couples

Sad couple during a relapse

How am I supposed to handle it when my husband  has a “lost battle”?   (A “lost battle” is a term used in the Men of Moroni as well as other recovery programs within Life Changing Services. For this article, a battle is “lost” when the husband chooses to engage in, or act with behaviors […]

A Few Good Men – Repairing Broken Marriages

Man in a Blue Shirt

I was thinking this morning about the men I have been working with who are getting it right. These are very brave and dedicated men who are willing to discover their own shortcomings.