Unlock the transformative potential of kindness in the ReStory approach for healing and restoration. Discover how the kindness of God, as emphasized by Paul in Romans, serves as a powerful catalyst for repentance and positive change. As a counselor, embodying kindness becomes your greatest weapon against shame, offering individuals a space where they can be seen, accepted, and reminded of their worth in the journey toward a renewed and re-storyed life.

Navigating the delicate balance between revealing the transformative power of counseling stories and respecting confidentiality, our blog delves into the intricate role of evil in the ReStory process. Evil, aiming to strip away the inherent glory God has bestowed upon each person, traps us in a narrative of shame, addiction, and fear. By immersing ourselves in others' narratives, our Restory approach seeks shalom, restoring right relationships and uncovering the forgotten first story – a journey toward healing, identity reclamation, and embracing the transformative hope embedded in the gospel.

ReStory offers a revolutionary path to healing and transformation by delving into the sacred landscape of the human heart, blending theology, psychology, and ministry. Through a profound exploration of our first story—the divine design intended by God—we navigate the impact of past experiences and traumas. This integrative approach, extending beyond traditional therapy, invites us to rediscover our true identity, align with God's redemptive narrative, and experience lasting transformation.

Marriage is a journey filled with emotional, spiritual, and physical connections. To truly understand the intricacies of marriage, we must delve into the often-overlooked aspect of sex. In this blog post, we explore the story of sex in marriage, uncovering the underlying narratives and societal influences that shape our experiences. Join us as we delve into the deeper meaning behind our sexual encounters and discover how understanding our stories can lead to a more fulfilling and intimate marriage.

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it requires a strong foundation of trust. Trust forms the basis of any successful relationship, and marriage is no exception. However, to truly understand trust, we must also acknowledge its counterpart - betrayal. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of trust in a marriage, the inevitability of betrayal, and how to navigate these delicate aspects of your relationship.

Marriage, a beautiful journey filled with love, companionship, and, let's face it, a few challenges. According to research, three top-level conflicts consistently make their way to the forefront of marital struggles: money, sex, and, the focus of today's discussion, in-laws. Join us, Chris Bruno, a licensed professional counselor, and Tracy Johnson, a story work coach, as we delve into the intricate topic of marrying your in-laws and the often-overlooked aspect of loyalty in a marriage.

Let's get real for a moment. If you're like most couples, you've probably had a disagreement this week. Interestingly, as your wedding day approaches, conflicts tend to escalate. Ever wondered what's truly happening during these fights?

Congratulations on this exciting chapter in your life as an engaged couple! The wedding plans are falling into place, and the anticipation is building. But before you take that walk down the aisle, there are some crucial things you should consider. As professional marriage counselors, we're here to share some valuable insights to help you prepare for a strong and lasting marriage.

As a Christian marriage counselor, I've walked alongside numerous couples through therapeutic separations over the course of my career. Some have emerged from this journey with renewed love and commitment, while others have realized that it didn't lead to the reconciliation they hoped for. In this article, we'll discuss what happens when a therapeutic separation doesn't work and how to navigate this challenging phase with grace and self-compassion.

Now, we're going to tackle a crucial question that many couples in therapeutic separation face: When should you end it? If you've been following along with our previous articles, you know the importance of having clear expectations and time-bound markers throughout your therapeutic separation journey. Now, it's time to discuss the art of concluding this phase of healing in your marriage.

Today, we're going to explore an essential concept that many couples tend to overlook in their pursuit of a harmonious marriage: rupture and repair. It's a crucial dynamic that often remains hidden but can profoundly impact the health and longevity of your relationship.

Today, we delve into a topic that often raises questions among Christian couples facing marital challenges: therapeutic separation. Is it biblical? Does it align with our faith? We'll explore these questions and shed light on how a therapeutic separation can be a hopeful process for Christian marriages.

Today, we're going to address a topic of utmost importance: how to navigate a therapeutic separation when you have children. Children are incredibly perceptive and sensitive to what's happening in the household. They often pick up on the emotional undercurrents and changes in your relationship dynamics. As parents, it's essential to recognize that your kids are actively observing your marriage, even if they can't fully understand it.

A therapeutic separation is not just a break from your marriage; it's a purposeful and structured approach to healing your relationship. To embark on this journey, there are three fundamental elements that every therapeutic separation should include.

If your marriage is hitting a rough patch and you're feeling like you've reached a breaking point, you're not alone. Many couples find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. You might be contemplating options like seeing a marriage therapist, going through a traditional separation, or even heading down the path of divorce. However, there's another avenue worth exploring – a therapeutic separation.

Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy marriage. Yet, we all know that conflicts arise, tensions escalate, and emotions run high. In those heated moments, it's easy to say things we don't mean and feel like we're on the verge of losing something precious. But what if there were a simple yet powerful technique that could help you defuse the situation and come back to your partner with a clearer perspective? That's where the 20/24 Rule comes in.

Within the realm of communication lies a concept known as postures – distinct stances that often manifest during conversations. These postures transcend mere words; they are the nonverbal expressions of our thoughts and emotions. Let's embark on a journey to understand the four common postures that can significantly impact marital communication.

Every couple's journey is unique, but oftentimes, it seems there are two extremes: those who seem to argue constantly and those who claim they never have conflicts. But the truth is, there's a lot more nuance to these situations than meets the eye. So, let's dive into these four levels, gaining insight into where you might find yourselves and how to navigate toward deeper, healthier communication.

A few weeks ago, a couple entered my[Chris Bruno] office, and their demeanor spoke volumes before a single word was uttered. The husband's scowl and the wife's tear-stained face painted a picture of a marriage in distress. As they settled onto the couch, positioned in opposite directions, it was evident that we were delving into matters of great significance.

Think of it this way: just like addiction, emotional unavailability isn't about the surface-level behavior itself. It's a response to something deeper, a way of coping with emotions or past traumas. When you reach for that tub of ice cream or binge-watch Netflix after a tough day, it's not because you're addicted to those things. Instead, it's about finding a way to escape, numb out, or distance yourself from something deeper inside.