Recommended Reading for Couples:
Dating and Chosing the Right Partner by Susan Piver
This little book poses questions for partners to ask each other before deciding to marry. It covers a number of areas. The majority of questions are very basic, yet very important for couples to discuss before the BIG DAY!
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John Gottman and Nan Silver.
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last by John Gottman
John Gottman , a foremost relationship expert, bases his approach on research with couples. After watching couples for only 5 minutes, Gottman predicts, with 93% accuracy, couples that will stay together and couples that will divorce. From this research, he has writen a number of books to help couples learn the skills and knowledge to have healthy relationships.
After the Affair by Janis Abrahms Spring
This is a great book for both partners having experienced an affair with chapters directed toward the betrayed partner and the partner who engaged in the affair. Questions to consider and exercises are included.
Stepcoupling: Creating and Sustaining a Strong Marriage in Today’s Blended Family by Susan Wisdom and Jennifer Green
This practical book for stepfamilies has some clear ideas on how to navigate as a blended family. Ideas on how to find your place in the family and how to handle differences in parenting style, values and communication patterns. Real stepfamily situations are used. Many readers will find their own situations on the pages of this book.
Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes Work For Your Child by Isolina Ricci
This fabulous guide is for divorced parents that want to make the transition as smooth as possible for their children. Guidelines on how to raise well-adjusted children in two different households are included. Concrete advice is included on how to navigate this emotional time. There is also a "kids" book in this series.
Should I Stay or Go?: How Controlled Separation (CS) Can Save Your Marriage by Lee Raffel
This easy to read book provides compassionate, clear guidelines that will allow couples to separate physically [if needed] and emotionally. Concrete rules, a reasonable timeline, and supportive guidance can be used by couples or with the help of a professional.
General Recommended Readings:
My Mother, My Self: The Daughter's Search for Identity by Nancy Friday
This book provides insight into the unique interaction between mothers and daughters. Through candid self-disclosure and hundreds of interviews, the author explores generational legacy as it relates to identity, relationships, and self-esteem .
Breaking the Patterns of Depression by Michael D. Yapko, PH.D.
Dr. Yapko provides a wonderful look at depression in new ways providing practical ways to look at yourself, your world and your future in new ways opening up new possibilities.