Hi Moms~
I have a very dear friend who's marriage is in big trouble. Unfortunately, she is too shy (embarrassed) to post here herself, so I offered to help. Long story short, she is in a very difficult place in her marriage and she wants to separate from her husband of 5 years. They have numerous communication issues and as a result, they have not been intimate in almost 6 months! They also have 2 small children and she is a stay-at-home Mommy. I have convinced her to consult a family/marriage counselor, but she doesn't know where to begin? They live in the Palm Harbor area, but would be willing to drive anywhere in Pinellas County. Does anyone have a counselor or someone they could recommend? They are in a really bad place and as her friend, as well as her husband's, I would like to do whatever I can to help them. They are Christians, however they are non-practicing and do not attend a church at this time, so seeking help there is not an option. They also have horrible insurance and they don't think this type of counseling would be covered, so obviously money is an issue! Any help you can give would be most appreciated by them and by me!
Thanks ladies!
life with hope marriage and family center. Robin Campbell is a marriag and family expert and is very very good. ###-###-####. Good luck!
Here are some names and numbers that I got for a friend a while back. Since then another friend has begun using Pam Wiggins and it look likes things are going well.
1. Pam Wiggins – ###-###-#### (she has an office in Largo, but is also on our PCC Campus on Mondays and Tuesdays, counseling with folks here.)
2. Cecilia Tucker – ###-###-#### (office is in Seminole)
3. Andy Bell – ###-###-#### (Counselor on staff at Lakewood United Methodist Church)
Good bless! Your a good friend!
K.,
Wow, that's a hard one. I would say the first thing is, as their friend ask them the number one question...Do they want to work this out. If they do, great. If not, there is really nothing anyone can do to help them. If they do want to work it out, maybe someone could take the kids, give them a weekend or so to themselves. Even if they are not practicing Christians, they can still do a retreat if they wanted and those are great at helping people reconnect. If not that, then someone will need to help them to have some time to sit and talk...but there has to be rules. EX: You can say...this hurts my feelings..., but you can't say I hate it when you.../A good way to start is by having each of them write down what they love about the other person, why they wanted to be together to begin with and then what things they would like to change. This was done for me by my sister in law one time when I was having a hard time. It opened the communication gap, and we were able to progress from there! They have to both be honest and no one is allowed to get mad and leave. If we pretend we are listening to a friend, we are usually more open to help!
God Bless them!
N.
my husband and i have been going through some challenging times also. we go to holy trinity episcapol church right across the street from mease countryside on mc mullen. Father joe diaz is the minister and he is excellent. we got married there. the reason i am telling you this is because he has done marriage counseling with us and it has really helped us. he is an amazing minister and an amazing counselor. he did not charge us but we go to church there. maybe if they start going to church there and get familar with him and like him he would help heal their relationship/marriage. i think the world of father and thank god everyday for putting him in our lives. my husband and i have 2 small kids 2yrs & 8 mths so life stresses get challenging. but let me tell you everytime we go to church something positive happens. i just spoke to father joe on the phone today and he prayed on the phone with me. we don't go to church all of the time about 2 times a month but we are trying to get better. i hope this helps and i will pray for your friends. i don't believe in divorce but i know sometimes it is necessary. my parents 40th annversary is this sunday and they have shown me such a stable loving life that i want for my kids. like i said i hope this helps. i live in palm harbor also.
http://www.integritycounseling.net
There is a lady at this group her name is Pam. SHE IS GOOD!
Blessings,
K. J.
The Counseling Connection
1501 S Pinellas Ave
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Map
###-###-####
Bill Hogan is the Therapist. He is a VERY NICE man. Down to earth, has been thru his own problems so he can relate.
Good Luck to your friend.
J.
There is a Christian Counselor at Christ The King Lutheran Church off of Oakhurst and Walsingham in Largo that is VERY good. She has worked wonders on so many people. I myself have had the please of meeting her. It may be worth looking into. It is a great church. There are a lot of caring people. Tell your friend I said Good Luck and God Bless!!
that is a hard one! I would still suggest maybe finding a church near where they live and seeing if councilling is available for non members. Generally though without insurance to cover them they will not find affordable therapy in a private practice. Maybe getting back into the church in general would help the relationship.
