divorce360.com | Trying to Save your Marriage?

If you are trying to work on your marriage, there are a number of faith-based recovery programs that can help you. Here is a list of resources for you to consider. In addition, Smartmarriages.com, which aims to help couples, has recommended a number of programs to combat divorce.

1. PAIRS or Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills:
Lori Gordon, Ph.D., shows how to rebuild marriages on the brink of divorce (separated, or even already divorced!) through weekend and four-day intensives, as well as the hallmark semester course. PAIRS has taught thousands to remove barriers to love and passion and create lasting relationships that are filled with love, pleasure and happiness. Programs across the country and around the world. Call: 888- 724-7748

2. Divorce-busting center:
Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW, author of “Divorce Remedy,” offers skill-building workshops, audiotape and DVD programs, a support chatline, telephone coaching and one and two-day intensives to help even couples on the brink of divorce improve their relationships quickly. Call: 800-664-2435 E-mail: DBusting@aol.com www.divorcebusting.com

3. Retrovaille (pronounced Retro-vi):
It means lifeline and rhymes with apple pie. A program for couples with serious problems who are disillusioned, separated and/or on the brink of divorce. You'll be helped by couples who have also "been to the brink"—who have experienced serious problems including affairs, alcoholism, gambling, violence, etc. or who have simply fallen out of love — but who have worked their way back to each other. They'll teach you how to fall back in love, heal your marriage and make it stronger than ever before. This program (85 percent successful when both partners work at it) teaches simple techniques of communication and exercises to work on forgiveness, healing, and restoration of trust. The program begins with a weekend and includes12 follow-up meetings over three months. These are not spiritual retreats, sensitivity groups, seminars or social gatherings — there are no counselors involved and you don't have to say anything in front of anyone else. Couples discuss the topics and practice the skills in private. The cost is a blank envelope donation system. It is open to couples ofall faiths and to the non-religious. To find a program in your area call 800-470-2230 or go to the Web site: http://www.retrouvaille.org/weekends/weekends%20schedule_1.html

4. The Third Option:
Couples can either divorce, stay miserably married, or chose a third option — get help. Led by Pat Ennis, MSW, this ongoing marriage enrichment/marriage crisis group program uses a drop-in format, skill building and sharing by couples that have overcome great difficulties. A self-contained manual & videos make the program easy to implement in your church or community. For couples or individuals at any stage from engaged to long-married seeking enrichment or divorce prevention. Call: 315-472-6728 E-mail: pat@thethirdoption.com

5. BAN or Beyond Affairs Network Peggy and James Vaughan, Ph.D., founders:
BAN is an international support group with local chapters for people recovering from the devastating experience of a spouse's affair. The Vaughans have written seven books on relationships, and are best known for “The Monogamy Myth” and their groundbreaking work on Extramarital Affairs. Call: 858-454-0298 E-mail: peggy@dearpeggy.com www.dearpeggy.com

6. Reconciling God's way:
This workbook and ministry offers mentor support and tools to save marriages -- even if only one spouse wants reconciliation. Developed by Joe and Michelle Williams, the twelve-week leader's guide equips pastors and lay leaders. Call: 209-578-4357 E-mail: reconcile@pc-intouch.com www.bvg.org/reconcilers

7. National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists:
For more help, you can consult the National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists, who work to help struggling couples find their relationship footing again. http://www.marriagefriendlytherapists.com

Laurie S. Moison (Hall) has written for newspapers in Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Washington, D. C. Author of four books, including "An Affair of the Mind," she has lectured nationally on sexuality, forgiveness, ethics and spirituality. She can be reached at lhall@together.net.

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