How To Help Friends & Family with Marriage Struggles | Dr. Bill Doherty | #45

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sitdown with Dr. Bill Doherty, back from Season 1 due to popular demand, to share how we can all become marital first responders. A long time Marriage and Family Therapist, he is an expert on challenges couples face when navigating marital crisis.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Bill Doherty?2:29 – Where the idea of marital first responders comes from4:42 – First important step in being a first responder.6:32 – Other Do’s and Don’ts9:45 – We can be an influence12:16 – Common complaints from marriages15:26 – Perspective skill technique example19:16 – Learning to protect boundaries21:36 – Unforced error24:12 – You can be a friend to someone and their marriage30:33 – What to say without adding negativity31:14 – Where to get more resources from Bill32:55 – Takeaways About Bill Doherty:Bill Doherty is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the Universityof Minnesota. A long-time marriage and family therapist, he is an expert on challengescouples face in the modern world, on navigating marital crisis and avoiding divorce, andon using family rituals to enhance the quality of family life. His books for the publicinclude The Intentional Family and Take Back Your Marriage. In recent years Bill hastaken this couples work to the national level via cofounding Braver Angels, an initiativeworking to decrease the political polarization that is dividing the country. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family TherapyAcademy. Insights:Bill: Marriage is existing of social relationships and when people open up, it is a precious gift they are giving. It is good to be mindful and intentional in how we respond.Dave: We can have empathy without agreeing with others perspectives, you can still show compassion and lend a helping hand even if we don’t necessarily agree with what they may be saying.Liz: LEAP: Listen, empathy, affirm and positive perspective Invites:   •    Check out maritalfirstresponders.org and participate in some of the workshops available to you.   •    When giving advice to friends it is important to be a good friend to that person but also their marriage, listen with empathy but don’t rush to give advice. Don’t jump to take a friend’s side without considering the whole picture.   •    Use life experience when giving out advice, you may not be an expert but we all have experiences to take and learn from when helping others. Bill Doherty Links:https://thedohertyapproach.com/about/Bill Doherty Bookshttps://memberium.com/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book StoreWritten by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduceThe opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org  Podcast.stongermarriage.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.comhttp://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/