Relationship Repair Attempts: What They Are, Why They Work & 10 Examples for Your Own Marriage
Relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman calls repair attempts the happy and emotionally intelligent couple’s “secret weapon.” Even if you’ve never heard of them before, it’s possible you and your partner already use repair attempts during conflicts. But hopeful partners be warned; using a repair attempt doesn’t necessarily guarantee it will work. Keep reading to learn more […]
Understanding The 4 Attachment Styles (And How They Might Influence Your Marriage)
Let’s face it; people are complex. We all have highly personal histories that affect who we are, how we see the world, and how we interact with others. For this reason, it might sound impossible to classify individuals into a just handful of categories used to describe human nature. But decades of psychological research suggests this kind of broad categorization […]
Setting Goals As a Couple: Strategies on Lasting Achievement
We use goals to improve all areas of our lives—from health and finances to career and marriage. And accomplishing a goal isn’t even the only benefit of setting one in the first place! It turns out that the very act of setting and working toward a goal can boost your well-being and self-confidence. Having a personal mission or objective provides a […]
What’s The Difference Between Perpetual and Solvable Problems? (Hint: Every Marriage Has Both)
According to relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman, the majority of problems married couples have are “perpetual.” These ongoing issues exist in virtually every relationship—yes, even healthy ones. The idea that most problems in your marriage are “perpetual” may bring up thoughts of doom and gloom. After all, if a problem persists indefinitely between spouses, how can they ever find peace and fulfillment in their […]
Is Imago Therapy Evidence-Based? What the Research Really Says
At The Marriage Restoration Project, our mission is to help couples thrive in their relationships and rediscover the power of what their union can offer them—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. We believe a healthy and vibrant marriage is greater than the sum of its parts, and every partnership deserves the chance to reach that level of […]
Communicating with your spouse doesn’t have to stink! (Video Series)
Communicating with your spouse doesn’t have to be so hard. And yet communication problems are the #1 biggest reported problem for most married couples. Truthfully, achieving healthy communication really is one of the hardest things to learn how to do well! Relationship communication coaching can help improve your emotional and physical intimacy so that you […]
Can a Married Couple Recover From Infidelity?
Key Takeaways Yes—recovery is possible when both partners want the marriage and commit to a structured repair plan (disclosure → boundaries/no-contact → transparency → empathy-based dialogues → consistent follow-through). Gordon et al., 2004; Snyder et al., 2007. Trust is rebuilt by repeated behaviors over time, not one apology. Expect a layered process over 6–18 months […]
Gratitude Has a Powerful Effect on Your Marriage – Here Are 4 Ways to Cultivate It
Stay grateful—it’s good for your marriage. Hard to believe as it may be, learning to cultivate gratitude in your relationships and life has a powerful effect on people emotionally and physically. According to research, gratitude is scientifically linked to improved physical and mental health, an increased ability to handle adversity, and stronger healthier relationships. One 2015 study published […]
What is Financial Infidelity? 8 Signs to Look Out for (And What to Do About It)
It’s often said that conflict over money is one of the leading causes of divorce. And with nearly three-quarters of Americans experiencing financial worry right now, it’s reasonable to presume many marriages across the country are facing increasing strain and challenge. For some couples, money conflict can progress to a damaging situation known as financial infidelity. While financial infidelity doesn’t generally […]
ADHD in Marriage: What We Learned After 19 Years Together
We had a big realization after nearly two decades of marriage—Rivka has ADHD, and it was affecting our relationship in ways we hadn’t fully understood until now. For years, we thought our struggles were just about communication or personality differences. But uncovering how ADHD plays into marriage dynamics helped us see things with new compassion. […]
How The Marriage Restoration Project is Helping Couples Stay Safe at Home & Social Distancing
We’re Social Distancing Couples, we are here for you and while we’ve been always been working online with couples 1 on 1, we’ve made the decision to #stayathome and bring our famous group couples workshop to you online from the comfort of your home! We know it’s not easy at home and we are using […]
Rivka’s Quarantine Diary Day 1 | Keeping Kids on a Schedule & Meditation
March 16, 2020 Our quarantine officially started yesterday, on Monday, March 16, 2020. We had actually quarantined ourselves voluntarily starting the previous Thursday because it seemed that we were sick with various flu, allergies, and colds. So this isn’t really day 1 and it feels like we’ve already been quarantined for a week! Managing Kids’ […]
10 Signs of Emotional Abuse in Marriage (and How to Heal)
Is Emotional Abuse Quietly Hurting Your Marriage? Here’s How to Recognize It—and Heal Together When couples come to us feeling disconnected, they often say,“We love each other… but something just feels off.”Maybe the spark is gone. Maybe communication feels tense. Maybe you’re walking on eggshells. What many don’t realize is that emotional abuse—often unintentional and […]
What Should We Focus on Most in Our Relationship? Why Friendship in Marriage Deserves a Bigger Role
Many couples ask: “What should we be focusing on most if we want our marriage to thrive?” Some assume it’s all about conflict resolution—and while resolving disagreements is certainly important, research shows it’s not the only skill that predicts long-term success1. One often overlooked element? Friendship in marriage. Relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman has found […]
10 Ways to Stay Connected With Your Partner After Having a Baby
Wondering how to keep your relationship strong after having a baby? Between sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and new routines, many couples feel disconnected in the newborn stage. That’s normal—but it’s also a time when your marriage needs extra attention. Research shows kids thrive when their parents stay connected. Here are 10 simple but powerful […]
Why Does the Divorce Rate Decrease as Education Level Increases?
It’s well-documented that people with higher education levels are less likely to divorce than those with less schooling. In fact, divorce rates decline steadily as education rises. A 2013 Bureau of Labor Statistics study found: *“The chance of a marriage ending in divorce decreases as educational attainment rises: over half of the marriages among people […]
How Anxiety Impacts Marriage: Childhood Roots, Disconnection, and Healing Options
Anxiety is one of the most silent but destructive forces in a marriage. It doesn’t just show up as nervous thoughts or restless nights—it often creates emotional distance, conflict cycles, and feelings of rejection between spouses. Many couples don’t realize that the anxiety fueling today’s disconnection often comes from childhood wounds that were never healed. […]
Celebrity Couples Therapy Retreats: The Private Path to Clarity (Before You File)
Why this angle matters now When a high-profile relationship hits turbulence, the pressure is 24/7: cameras, staff, tour or production schedules, legal strategy, brand partners, and kids—often all at once. In moments like these, a confidential, clinician-led intensive lets you step out of the noise and make a conscious decision—whether to repair and recommit or […]
Remaining Dates & Availability for 2020
Availability for 2020 If you don’t see two consecutive dates that work for you to schedule a private retreat and you would like to work with us, please call us to discuss your date preferences at 410-424-5864. January 1/2 January 5/6 January 15/16 January 19/20 January 22/23 January 26/27 January 29/30 February 5/6 February 9/10 […]