Articles about Marriage
Character, Grace and Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Paul's honesty about his core nature and the working of G od's grace gives each of us hope in our ability to love one another. It is in the acknowledgement of our sin that we become better equipped to love one another.
Clarity of Thought in Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are various fears and concerns that feed behaviors not helpful in our relationships with one another. Specific guidelines are available to aid us in our n eed for clarity of thought and behavior as we seek to experience and provide healthy styles of interacting.
Detours in Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are ways of thinking and acting that seem right only to discover they have detoured us off the path of right relating. God has it in his plan for us to become aware and work towards resolution those patterns that keep us from relating to others in a manner pleasing to Him.
Abundant Attachment with God and Others
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Illustrates how parents and spouses can use Jesus' words from the Gospel of John for healthy attachment
Family Systems and Generational Bondage
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article describes how past generational patterns can influence current family functioning, and how God can equip us in healthy family functioning.
Grief and Changes
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Change within a family life cycle can bring feelings of grief and loss. Article lists six ways to weather the storms of family changes.
Teamwork in Tasks and Ministry
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article describes seven principles to decrease stress through teamwork and delegation in ministry, family, or work-related tasks.
Marching On
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article shows how God can encourage and strengthen us when facing fatigue and discouragement in challenging situations.
Marriage Relationships: Strengthening the Bond thru God's Love
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
A couple's journey from blaming each other to helping each other
Family Relationships: It's Not About Winning and Losing
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
What family relationships are not about
Perfectionism: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Perfectionism is harsh and demanding. However,the Lord does not require it.
Attributes of a Successful Marriage
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
This article lists 15 keys to a successful marriage, including the habit of forgiveness, letting go of mocking and contempt when under duress, and rehearsing the good rather than the “bad†about the other.
One of the Worst Things Parents Do: Putting the Marriage Last
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article explores the drawbacks of "putting the marriage last" in the list of family priorities.
Trauma Happens To Competent Healthy People
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Trauma causes a reaction in people. That reaction is physical because the brain is signaling the body to do something. This is true with natural disasters like floods and tornadoes as well as fighting or past trauma in relationships. What this feels like and how this affects a marital relationship is discussed in this article as well as the beginnings of what to do.
When Parents Fight
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Children develop their sense of belonging and sense of security from their relationships with their parents. When there is on-going animosity between the parents, it is difficult for children to feel safe and to attach to both parents.
Tips for Talking About Finances
Talking about money can lead to conflict, but research shows that having a plan on how to handle disagreements leads to happier marriages. This article provides some useful tips on handling your differences regarding finances.
Family Finances: Don't Go Solo
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Many couples experience financial stress at some point in their marriage. How they communicate that stress to one another is significant. In this article, Christine provides a plan for couples to talk about family finances that builds unity and a team approach.
RELATIONSHIPS AND THE BRAIN
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Our brain is sending out signals for hormone release in all of our relationships. These hormones are either the "feel-good" kind or they are the fight or flight kind. Therapists at the Center for Family Healing give healthy response training to our clients to bring about the results they would like in their relationships.
Working Hard To Be Liked
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
People pleasers work very hard to be liked and crave love and acceptance from others at the cost of their own identity. The real person can become lost in the daze of perceived expectations. But there is good news.
WHAT I WISH MORE MEN KNEW
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Men often do not know things like how much delight their children take in them. Here a therapist who has seen hundreds of men over the years outlines what she would like men to know. Things such as a woman relating from an accumulation of the days events when a man very often is relating in the here and now. Revelations are made in this article that will encourage men.
Powerful Dads and Pretty Daughters
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
Dads have a tremendous amount of influence in the lives of their daughters. This article outlines the ways in which Dads make a powerful impact both positively and negatively.
Sacredness in Sexuality
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Sexuality can be a profound expression of love between a husband and wife. When God's view of love is included within sexuality, sex is transformed from mere mechanics to holy mystery and higher joy.
"The Talk"
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW
The mere thought of having "the talk" about sexuality with their children often makes parents shudder and want to head for the hills. Parents take heart. This article encourages parents as it provides a step by step nonthreatening approach to discussing sexuality.
Can This Marriage Be Saved?
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Marriage skills must be worked at. The skills needed to succeed at marriage are often not learned by watching close loved ones. How on earth are people going to learn the skill set needed in marriage? Many simply learn by trial and error. Half of the time, the efforts at marriage fail. This article points to skills provided in the Successful Couples Seminar at the Center for Family Healing, are proven skills providing personal tools for successful relationships.
