How Do You Fix Blended Family Problems?
When “Blending” Feels More Like Colliding Blending a family sounds warm and cozy—like merging two loving homes into one. But in reality, it can feel more like trying to mix oil and water. Everyone comes in with different routines, parenting habits, loyalties, and expectations. Over time, what started as love can turn into tension. Parents […]
Helping Kids Adjust in a Blended Family: The Most Difficult Ages (and What Parents Can Do)
Blending Families Affects Kids Too When I meet with couples in marriage counseling for blended families, one of the first concerns I hear is, “The kids just aren’t adjusting.” It’s not that they dislike the new spouse — it’s that everything in their world has changed. New rules. New routines. Sometimes a new house. And, […]
The 3 Most Common Problems in Blended Families — and How to Solve Them
Blending Families Takes More Than Love As a marriage counselor, I’ve seen that even the most loving blended families can struggle to find rhythm. You bring together two histories, two parenting styles, and two sets of children who didn’t choose this change. It’s a lot. Couples often come to me saying, “We didn’t think it […]
Why Blended Families Divorce More Often — and How to Beat the Odds
The Myth of “Second Time’s the Charm” If you’ve remarried and combined families, you probably hoped this time would be different — calmer, wiser, stronger. And yet, many couples are shocked to learn that 60–70% of second marriages involving children end in divorce. It’s not because remarried couples love less or try less. It’s because […]
What Is the Best Therapy for Blended Families?
Blending Families Is Harder Than It Looks As a marriage counselor, I’ve worked with countless couples who thought love alone would help their new blended family thrive. But soon after the honeymoon phase fades, they find themselves navigating a maze of parenting differences, loyalty conflicts, and emotional triggers left over from past relationships. Marriage counseling […]
Non-Denominational Marriage Counseling Intensives: A Practical Guide to Private, 2-Day Retreats
Couples usually Google “non-religious marriage counseling” or “secular marriage intensive” when weekly sessions feel too slow and a private couples therapy retreat (no group, no sermon) seems like the only way to break the cycle. This guide explains what a non-denominational couples therapy intensive is, who it helps, what a realistic two-day flow looks like, […]
Couples Therapy for Business Partners: A Flexible Way to Fix Cofounder Conflict
Key takeaways Why therapy for business partners works—even when it’s “just business” Founders fight about hiring, roadmap, or spend, but underneath is usually the talking pattern: harsh starts, interrupting, mind-reading, or advice given too soon. Adapting relationship science to the workplace helps you: Signs you might benefit What to expect (flexible, not one-size-fits-all) A good […]
Emergency Marriage Counseling: What to Do in the Next 72 Hours
If you’re searching for emergency marriage counseling, it probably means you’re standing at a crossroads — emotions are high, trust feels broken, and you don’t know what to do next.Maybe an argument got out of control, an affair just came to light, or one partner is saying “I’m done.” Before you make any final decisions, […]
Is It Too Late If We’re Already Considering Divorce?
Key Takeaways The “Point of No Return” Question When a marriage feels unbearable, many couples wonder: “Is it too late for us? Have we passed the point of no return?” If you’re already considering divorce, it may feel like there’s no hope left. But after working with thousands of couples across the world as an […]
Virtual Marriage Retreat for Divorce Prevention
Private Online Intensives That Help Couples Reconnect Before It’s Too Late “Virtual marriage retreats? … I would REALLY like to go on a marriage retreat, preferably one aimed at marriages in crisis. We would need one that’s virtual and not too intensive.” — Reddit user If you’re reading this, you may be asking the same […]
I Think I Ruined My Marriage — Is It Too Late to Save It?
When you wake up one day with the sinking thought, “I think I ruined my marriage,” it can feel like the beginning of the end. Maybe you said something you can’t take back, betrayed your spouse’s trust, or simply let distance and disconnection grow until the silence between you feels unbearable. But here’s the truth: […]
Is an Intensive Retreat Worth It for Empty Nesters? Here’s What the Research Says
Becoming empty nesters can feel like a seismic shift—suddenly, the constant hum of parenting is gone, and you’re rediscovering life with your spouse in a quiet house. While this transition can be a relief, it often brings unexpected emotional challenges, disconnection, or identity shifts¹. An intensive couples retreat can offer focused, transformational support during this […]
Are Multi-Day Intensive Couples Counseling Sessions More Effective Than Weekly One-Hour Sessions?
By Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Founder of The Marriage Restoration Project Why the Format Matters The structure of therapy affects the depth of change. Traditional weekly therapy offers 50-minute conversations spread out over months. It’s steady but often interrupted—progress made one week can unravel before the next appointment. Research […]
What Couples Therapy Weekend Should I Do?
When couples search for a weekend retreat, they’re often at a crossroads — wondering if this might be the turning point that saves their relationship. The challenge? Not all couples therapy weekends are created equal. Some focus on education and group discussion, others on private, intensive therapy sessions. The best fit depends on your specific […]
Are marriage intensives worth it?
When your marriage feels like it’s hanging by a thread, every day can feel unbearable. You’ve tried talking, maybe even months of weekly counseling, but nothing seems to change. That’s when many couples start searching for something different—something stronger, faster, and more focused. That’s where marriage intensives come in. But are they really worth the […]
What’s the Best Way to Save a Marriage? 15 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Counselor
Should You Invest in a Marriage Counselor? A Guided Approach When your marriage feels like it’s at a breaking point, asking “What’s the best way to save a marriage?” is natural. The answer often lies in choosing the right marriage counselor—one whose expertise and methods align with your needs. Below are 15 carefully crafted questions […]
Can having kids ruin a relationship? What we WISH we would have known about having children and our marriage.
Can having kids ruin a relationship? What we WISH we would have known about having children and our marriage. In this episode, we explore the immense strain that having children can place on marriages. With parents ranking as the most stressed adult population in the U.S., we dive into the challenges that arise in relationships, […]
Couples Therapy Intensives in Maryland | No Blame, No Shame Marriage Retreats
BLOG Heal Your Marriage Fast with Maryland’s Trusted Couples Therapy Intensives Are you searching for couples therapy intensives in Maryland to repair your marriage and rediscover connection?At The Marriage Restoration Project, we help couples across Baltimore, Columbia, and Howard County transform years of pain into renewed partnership—often in just two days. Why Maryland Couples […]
[Podcast episode] What to Do When You and Your Spouse Disagree on Politics
Key Takeaways Political differences in marriage don’t have to be make-or-break issues. Disagreements become destructive when they are handled with reactivity instead of curiosity. Learning to separate identity from ideology helps partners avoid personalizing differences. Respect, empathy, and boundaries are essential tools when spouses disagree on politics. Strong marriages are built on shared values of […]
I have different priorities and goals than my partner. Do your couples goals not match?!
It’s very tempting to think you aren’t on the same page anymore as your partner. Your goals and priorities are just too different. And that makes sense, after all, you might have some real disagreements about some hot button issues. 🔥🔥 ✅ Sometimes though, your goals ARE a match to your partners’ but there has […]