Like life itself, marriage has moments of joy...and sorrow. As difficult as marriage can be, many who have said "I do" try to stick it out when problems arise because the alternative--being alone--is not very appealing. If the couple truly wants to save their marriage, they usually turn to counseling.
Unfortunately, most marriage counseling ends with the couple dropping out and then, more often than not, ending their relationship. In some cases, the problem is not the couple but their choice of counselor. One who is poorly trained, disinterested, or obviously biased can destroy a marriage.
Why Marriage Counseling Fails explores different scenarios that cause problems for couples as well as the different types of counselors who can help or harm a marriage. Dr. David B. Hawkins has more than forty-five years of experience as a marriage counselor and has helped thousands of couples save their marriages.
"Sadly, when it comes to reaching out for help for marriage counseling, few have a sense of trust and confidence in their counselor," he says. "Stories abound about how they came out of a counseling session worse than when they went in."
Dr. Hawkins defines the "five I's" of a qualified marriage counselor as one who:
Offers wise instruction
Takes an active interest in the couple
Offers insight into why problems recur
Is willing to work intensively
Works in-depth to help the couple find long-term solutions
Why Marriage Counseling Fails offers insights into marital issues, the brokenness of the counseling system, how to find good help, and how to insist upon effective help when turning to a counselor.
<p>Dr. David Hawkins, MBA, MSW, MA, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has brought healing and restoration to thousands of marriages and individuals since he began his work in 1976. He is passionate about helping couples heal marriage wounds and rediscover deeper connection and intimacy. In addition to marriage counseling, Dr. Hawkins is a leader in the field of treatment for narcissism and emotional abuse in the context of relationships. Dr. Hawkins is the founder of the Marriage Recovery Center in Mill Creek, Washington, north of Seattle. A speaker and trainer for the American Association of Christian Counselors, he writes for Crosswalk.com, CBN.org, and Believe.com, and has made regular appearances on Moody Radio and Faith Radio. Dr. Hawkins is a best-selling author of over thirty books, including <i>When Pleasing Others Is Hurting You</i> and <i>Dealing with the CrazyMakers in Your Life</i>. He earned his doctorate and master's degrees in psychology from George Fox University. He also received his MBA from Strayer University and a master's in social work from Portland State University. Dr. Hawkins and his wife Christie live on Bainbridge Island, Washington, west of Seattle.</p>
