The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
by John Gottman & Nan Silver, 1999
A totally down to earth book by one of the greatest researchers of what makes marriages work – and last. Gottman’s best-seller, drawing on decades of research in his ‘love lab,’ shows it’s not all about communication and provides great practical advice that every couple can use.
Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples (revised and updated)
by Harville Hendrix, 2007
Still seen by many as the best self-help book ever written for couples, it directly and clearly explains how childhood hurts affect adult couples and how to create the truly healing and loving relationship that both people want and need.
Couple Skills: Making Your Relationship Work (2nd edition)
by Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, and Kim Paley, 2006
Another classic book, recently revised, full of extremely helpful exercises for learning essential skills that can deeply transform relationships. The five areas covered are basic communication skills, advanced skills, managing anger and conflict, understanding and changing what goes wrong, and acceptance skills.
The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Know to Make Love Work
by Terrence Real, 2007
Written by a therapist and expert in male depression, this book has great insights into typical roles that men and women fall into in their relationships. And it has clear steps for understanding and overcoming these patterns to achieve loving relationships, even after years “out in the cold.”
The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
by Wendy Maltz and Carol Arian, 2001
The best book on the effects of sexual abuse on all aspects of the sexual lives of adults. Very clear information and extremely helpful step-by-step methods for healing and achieving truly healthy and loving sexuality.
