Recommended Readings
- Ruiz, Don Miguel, The Four Agreements
- Describes some of the common “agreements” we make with ourselves that ultimately reduce our personal freedom and happiness, and then suggests four new “agreements” that can drastically change our relationship with our own thoughts, and consequently with friends, family, and loved ones.
- Branden, Dr. Nathaniel, The Six Pillars of Self Esteem
- Describes six principles for dismantling unhealthy thoughts about yourself and building a new sense of self esteem.
- Gordon, Lori and Frandsen, Jon, Passage to Intimacy
- Describes some of the principles used in PAIRS seminars, which have been demonstrated to improve communication and intimacy in relationships.
- Gordon, Lori, If You Really Loved Me
- Explores and unravels the idea of “love knots,” the frustrations and misconceptions that lead to some of the most common relationship problems, and provides constructive ways of addressing these issues while preserving the partnership.
- Chapman, Gary, The Five Love Languages
- Explores the five different ways of expressing love, and how to communicate more effectively by appreciating our partner’s way of communicating even if it differs from our own.
- Gottman, John, and Silver, Nan, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
- Gottman is renowned for his ability to predict marriage success within minutes based on a proven set of indicators. In this volume, he debunks common therapy myths (like the idea that communication is everything) and describes his principles of successful marriage, including how to successfully navigate conflict (a necessary part of any strong marriage, according to the authors).
- DeMaria, Rita, and Hannah, Mo Therese, (ed.s), Building Intimate Relationships: Bridging Treatment, Education, and Enrichment Through the PAIRS Program
- Bill and Linda Wing co-authored a chapter in this book, which explores the lessons taught in the PAIRS course and explains the proven psychological principles behind these lessons.
- Love, Patricia, Hot Monogamy: Essential Steps to More Passionate, Intimate Lovemaking
- A nine-step program for discovering each partner’s “sexual style” and figuring out how to mesh your style with your partner’s to increase sexual intimacy and satisfaction in long-term, monogamous relationships.
- Spring, Janis and Spring, Michael, After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful
- This sentinel book we find extremely helpful for those uncovering affairs in their relationship.
- Spring, Janis, How Can I Forgive You?: The Courage to Forgive, the Freedom Not To
- After a betrayal of any kind, this book describes how to get to forgiveness.
- Luskin, Fred, Forgiving for Love: The Missing Ingredient for a Healthy and Lasting Relationship
- This book discusses the importance of forgiveness, letting go of anger and despair, in achieving longevity in relationships.
Helpful Links
For Immediate Assistance, Call the Crisis Line at 314-647-HELP.
- The Gottman Institute
- The Gottman Institute offers couples counseling and education for mental health professionals in couples counseling techniques that are proven to be effective in most relationships. Using years of data and feedback from clients and associates, the Gottman Institute has identified a set of principles that explains common relationship troubles and offers solutions. Bill and Linda Wing have undergone extensive training with John and Julie Gottman at the Gottman Institute in Seattle. Linda is a certified Gottman Therapist and Workshop Presenter.
- Psychotherapy St. Louis
- Psychotherapy St. Louis (PSTL) recognizes certified and licensed therapists throughout the St. Louis city and county regions. The website contains helpful information about the therapy process and resources to help people find a therapist in their area. PSTL also holds periodic lectures and presentations on psychotherapy principles and practices, both for the public and for professionals in the field.
- PAIRS
- PAIRS (Practical Applications of Intimate Relationship Skills) is a relationship training organization founded in the 1970s, offering relationship seminars for couples as well as training for professionals who conduct the seminars across the country. Bill and Linda Wing are Certified Master Teachers of PAIRS and periodically offer a PAIRS Relationship Mastery Course from their facility in St. Louis county. The PAIRS website contains more information about the goals and principles covered in the seminars. PAIRS-Certified Teachers can be found across the US, and are listed on the website for your convenience.
- Marta Papa, St. Louis Lawyer
- Marta Papa is a St. Louis area attorney who handles divorce cases. She specializes in offering support to the entire family involved in a divorce, in the interest of making the experience less traumatic and more amicable. In conjunction with her legal services, she regularly coordinates counseling and other resources for her clients.
- Sober Living
- The Midwest facility for the national Sober Living substance abuse treatment center is located in Kirkwood, MO. This facility is a great resource for those fighting addiction.
- Harris House
- Another treatment facility for substance abuse, Harris House specializes in treating patients during any point in the recovery continuum.