The Mindful Marriage

Why does my spouse trigger my emotions so much? What can I do to manage my reactions that cause so much pain in our marriage?

Ron and Nan Deal have been there. Involved in Christian marriage and family ministry for over two decades, they taught and counseled couples about having a healthy marriage, yet privately their marriage was struggling. When they suffered the devastating loss of one of their children, their marriage was nearly shattered by their destructive cycles. At wits' end, they sought the help of pioneering therapists Dr. Terry Hargrave and Sharon Hargrave, LMFT, whose transformational Restoration Therapy has helped millions through the practice of emotional mindfulness. The Deals identified the patterns of coping that threatened their attachment, both individually and as a couple, and became less reactive, allowing them to move with intention from a Pain Cycle into a Peace Cycle. As they embraced this Scripture-based model, they became more skilled at responding with humility to each other, strengthening and forever changing their marriage.

Now the Deals and Hargraves introduce readers to this proven method--part science, part art--that challenges popular beliefs about how relationships work. In their winsome and vulnerable way, they show readers how to better understand themselves, especially in times of emotional distress, so that they may self-regulate and, in turn, strengthen their relationships. Christian readers will especially appreciate the balance of scientifically proven methods along with Scripturally sound teaching, resulting in more loving, faithful marital relationships.