Couples counseling can make individual counseling look like a breeze. In today’s podcast, sponsored by Audible.com, I’ll go through the four misconceptions or “hurdles” that people believe or face when they consider couples work. The benefits can be immense. You can learn how to really listen, how to change entrenched painful patterns, and how the family you grew up in, and your role within it, might be affecting how you’re acting in your current relationship. The fact that your partner is doing the work, right along with you? It can build trust and a sense of togetherness, as both take responsibility for their own part in the relationships’ success, and in it’s struggles. But you have to get past these four hurdles!

There’s an offer from me, and Audible.com, for a free month’s trial, and a free book! My proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, so it’s a win for you, and a win for St. Jude’s. Click here for the link!

The listener email today is about how to show compassion for a friend who has a family member that’s pulling away from them.

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Based on a blogpost, originally published on The Gottman Blog.