When we are young and dream about getting married and starting a family, we rarely realize the hard challenges that life might bring, or the work that will be necessary to turn our hazy fairy tale musings into reality. Add to that the baggage that every person brings into a relationship, and it becomes clear why so many couples struggle once the “honeymoon” stage is over. But with the right education and support, the chances of achieving that dream of our youth become attainable and within our reach.

Jason* called our office after seeing an ad for Amudim’s services in his shul. To an outsider, everything seemed fine. He has been married for 12 years, has 4 lovely children-they look like the perfect family. But Jason shared that since the beginning, his marriage has been fraught with conflict, pain and resentment; and he and his wife had reached a point of not knowing whether their relationship could be saved.

Both Jason and his wife grew up in dysfunctional or divorced households; neither had witnessed an ideal model at home; they got married at a young age and had neither the tools nor experience to deal with the trauma of their childhoods or how to develop a healthy foundation for their new life together. Life got busy with careers and kids, and things had progressively gotten worse as the pressures of adult life increased.

Jason was relieved to find an understanding ear with his case manager, who immediately recommended both individual and couples’ therapy for Jason and his wife. We worked to connect them with appropriate therapists who were both close to their homes geographically and would accept their insurance, at least on an out of network basis.

We are happy to report that Jason and his wife are now in their fourth month of therapy, and their marriage is slowly but steadily improving as they learn the essential communication and relationship skills in order to rebuild their connection. Jason is grateful that he reached out and found the support he needed to work towards a more hopeful future for himself and his family.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is just a phone call away and here to help.