Psychiatrist David Burns guides listeners in a step-by-step instructional guide to help build self-esteem. It is essential to start seeing the partner as an ally rather than an enemy. The relationship is a vehicle for growth, not a mistake from the past. In her book, she shares stories from leaders and CEOs in the sports and business worlds, including the National Football League’s Pete Carroll and JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon.

Couples Therapy outlines Ripley and Worthington, Jr.’s approach, expands on the theory behind it (note: approach also has a foundation in Christian beliefs), and provides assessment tools, real-life case studies, and resources for use in counseling. When the timer goes off, switch roles and try the exercise again. You may find that one partner is much chattier than the other, which is totally normal. 5. The Miracle QuestionThis book from Pete Sanders features activities to help students define their learning styles and includes topics such as the importance of self-development, ethics, and what comes after you qualify. Sometimes all it takes to get partners working together to solve their problems is a reminder of why they love each other. Another personal (and possibly scary) activity is to swap favorite books with your partner (Suval, 2015). The change request clarifies the partner’s needs but is usually asking for the most difficult thing for them to give. “That need is requesting something of the receiving partner’s lost part” (Luquet, 2015).

The following books are useful when counseling and working with children (Confident Counselors, 2017): 1. The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings – Anna Llenas And if you're returning to the office in the near future, “Radical Candor” is a great managerial tool to help leaders and bosses confront (and deal with) various personality types and challenges. What to Look For in a Relationship Book Practical tips This well-written guidebook combines behavioral science, psychology, and social learning theory to provide tried-and-tested tools for enhancing relationships. Relationship Qualities Worksheet – This excellent worksheet encourages couples to build up a bank of positive feelings and list of activities to re-visit together. Here are some of their recommendations: 1. Adult Attachment and Couple Psychotherapy: The ‘Secure Base’ in Practice and Research – Christopher ClulowUltimately the game itself does not matter. The laughter, joy, and learning to be fun together is what is important.

Bloch L, Haase CM, Levenson RW. Emotion regulation predicts marital satisfaction: more than a wives' tale. Emotion. 2014;14(1):130-44. doi:10.1037/a0034272 For a couple to be successful, it does not require that two become one. Instead, a good relationship consists of two individuals with a healthy dialogue that builds strong interdependent relationships. Martin, J. (2020, September 4). The best relationship counselling, couples therapy and self-help books to read [Web log]. Relate. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.relate-nottingham.org.uk/blog/the-best-relationship-counselling-couples-therapy-and-self-help-books-to-read/ What troubles or difficulties have I caused? Think now about the ways in which you might have caused any hassle or hurt for your partner throughout the day. Perhaps you snapped at them out of impatience, or pointed out something they forgot? Did you criticize some of their work, or forget to do something they were counting on?First, a Celebration exercise in which you will recall a shared experience that you would like to celebrate. What was worth celebrating about this experience or moment? What is it that made it so positive? What qualities did you bring to the moment? What about your partner? IRT suggests that focusing on the following areas of a relationship can help couples let go of romantic love and replace it with a more conscious, authentic, long-lasting love (Luquet, 2015): Do you know what you do in your relationship that has special meaning for your partner? And do you know what they would like you to do?