I’ve said before, and I must say again, “serious problems require serious interventions.” Too many try to solve problems on their own, or equally ineffective, attend a few hour-long sessions, become discouraged and then discontinue services. A little help is not enough, and you must decide to no longer tolerate inaction. Add significant action to your prayers and you’ll be surprised at how your marriage can improve.

What does “significant action” look like?

1.      Honestly admit emotional abuse and other serious problems in your marriage.

2.      Confront denial in yourself and your mate.

3.      Seek out the best professional help you can find.

4.      Participate in the level of intervention appropriate to the level of distress you are experiencing.

5.      Follow through with services, returning to counseling as often as is necessary.

Are you struggling with marriage problems in your relationship? Please share your concerns with me at TheRelationshipDoctor@Gmail.com and read more about The Marriage Recovery Center on my website, www.YourRelationshipDoctor.com.  

Published April 22, 2009.

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Dr. Hawkins is the director of The Marriage Recovery Center  where he counsels couples in distress. He is the author of over 30 books, including When Pleasing Others Is Hurting You, Love Lost: Living Beyond a Broken Marriage, and Saying It So He'll Listen. His newest books are titled  The Relationship Doctor's Prescription for Healing a Hurting Relationship and  The Relationship Doctor's Prescription for Living Beyond Guilt.  Dr. Hawkins grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and lives with his wife on the South Puget Sound where he enjoys sailing, biking, and skiing. He has active practices in two Washington cities.