Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.

When there’s stress in a marriage, it impacts all areas of life. While some couples find a way through on their own, many feel stuck. So, what differentiates someone who stays simply to stave off defeat, and someone who desires to overcome the strife they feel and ultimately thrive in their marriage?

Today’s episode, “3 Qualities Necessary for Overcoming Marital Distress,” was written by Tom Peters. Tom has been nurturing his passion for helping others for over 35 years. He holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology. In addition to developing a private practice, Tom also is a practicing counselling supervisor and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. He and his wife of 30 years are parents to two married daughters, one son, and they recently became grandparents. Just a note that this episode is written by Tom, but voiced by a guest.

A very important disclaimer: This episode is not intended for spouses in an abusive marriage. Spouses in this situation need detailed, expert advice that deals specifically with abuse. If you would like to discuss your situation with one of our professional counsellors, please call 1.800.661.9800 to arrange a free, one-time consultation.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.

Today’s episode is short and sweet, just like its subject. We put together a collection of insights from relationship experts about how to deepen love and strengthen communication in your marriage.

A friendly reminder: Reference to the individuals quoted does not constitute a blanket endorsement of either the individuals’ external work or their respective organizations.

Welcome to The Thriving Family, a Focus on the Family Canada podcast.

For today’s episode, we have the extreme honour of introducing a powerful testimonial of hope being restored. Gary and Joy had been married for 37 years, but as time went on, they both felt increasingly alone in the relationship. When they became empty nesters, the problems in their marriage they’d been avoiding for years could no longer be ignored. Then they heard about Hope Restored, a marriage intensive program at Focus on the Family Canada. Since 2018, countless couples on the brink of divorce have attended Hope Restored intensives at our Canadian retreat centres. By working with our marriage counsellors in both group and private intensives, couples like Gary and Joy discovered newfound hope for their marriages.

Now, let’s hear from Gary and Joy.