Loving well in marriage can be a source of deep joy and well-being, but it can also lead to stress that drains a person and inhibits their ability to flourish. This session will explain research on the keys to a healthy marriage and the patterns contributing to marital difficulty. Using the attachment theory and Safe Haven Model, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will identify the destructive cycles that keep couples hurt and disconnected. Participants will analyze the neurobiology of relationships and the core principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), focusing on what has been shown to effectively bring about change in distressed marriages. Furthermore, participants will also identify the “dragons” that shape relationship dynamics, triggering negative cycles and conflict. Finally, participants will assess the key elements necessary for healing and fostering strong, healthy marriages. Specific tools that participants can directly apply in work to guide couples from distress to connection and lasting intimacy will be discussed.
408 | Safe Haven Marriage: Teaching Couples How to Argue so They can be Heard and Connected
PRESENTERS
Sharon May, Ph.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Evaluate research on the foundational elements of a healthy marriage and use attachment theory and the Safe Haven Model to identify the destructive cycles that contribute to marital difficulty and keep couples hurt and disconnected.
2 Recognize the neurobiological factors that influence relationships and analyze the core principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to understand effective strategies for bringing about change in distressed marriages.
3 Assess the key elements necessary for fostering strong, healthy marriages and learn practical tools that can be applied within work to help clients transition from distress to connection and lasting intimacy.