WC25 Program_LR 8

TRACK WORKSHOPS

shift the focus toward promoting a healthy, joyful marriage through evidence-based strategies and principles. Current research consistently shows that 78% of couples who attend church regularly report being “very happy” or “extremely happy” in their marriages. This highlights the unique and essential role the Church can play in fostering strong, thriv ing marriages and providing couples with the tools to navi gate life’s challenges. This session will explore the Church’s pivotal role in partnering with mental health professionals and coaches to support couples, especially those expe riencing a crisis, while emphasizing practical, biblically grounded strategies for marital fulfillment. Key factors for enhancing marital satisfaction will be discussed, such as prioritizing couple time, effective communication, foster ing forgiveness, and cultivating a healthy, balanced home environment. Ultimately, this workshop will offer couples the insight that marital satisfaction is attainable, regardless of their life stage. Learning Objectives 1. Identify outdated marriage messages, critique their rel evance in modern contexts, and design alternative ap proaches that apply to couples in diverse settings, includ ing churches, counseling practices, and communities. 2. Assess and recognize early warning signs of marital drift and explain how to address these challenges proactively.

3. Analyze strategies for enhancing marital satisfaction across various life stages and apply these methods to help couples reduce the risks of drift and divorce. 408. Safe Haven Marriage: Making Sense of How You and Your Spouse Argue 1.25 credit hours Continuing Education Accreditations applicable to this workshop: APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling Level: Intermediate Sharon May, Ph.D. Safe Haven Relationship Center Summary Loving well in marriage can be a source of deep joy and well-being, but it can also lead to stress that drains a per son and inhibits their ability to flourish. This session will explain research on the keys to a healthy marriage and the patterns contributing to marital difficulty. Using the attachment theory and Safe Haven Model, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will identify the destructive cycles that keep couples hurt

2025 AACC UNITED WORLD CONFERENCE

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