Marriage Work
According to the research of Dr. John Gottman and the Gottman Institute, about 70% (or 69%) of conflicts in a relationship are "perpetual," meaning they are ongoing issues that cannot be completely resolved…
With this in mind, the focus shifts from finding a "solution" to understanding one another's perspectives and developing coping mechanisms to live with these persistent disagreements.
Having the courage to discover your individual and marriage story gives you the greatest hope for understanding, healing and creating the marriage you long for.
Your marriage has a story; a history that is impacting your current realities. What drew you towards each other, the challenges you have faced and the strengths built through the forging of a future together have all worked to create the shape of your marriage. Understanding your marriage story provides a path toward restoration and purpose for the future.
Story Informed Marriage Model Cohort - Coming September, 2026.
This live, in-person cohort is available for couples who have engaged in some “story work” prior to the Cohort. The Cohort is a weekly intensive format for therapy in a group environment. Cohorts are directed by trained Story Informed Trauma Therapists. The Cohort will help you and your spouse explore the reality that, “our greatest hope in healing our marriages is in learning how to compassionately and curiously communicate, question and understand what has contributed to the shaping of your marriage”. This happens by pursuing the following objectives:
Understanding Family of Origin and Individual Story - "What were you bringing in to the marriage?”
Understanding Individual Responses to marriage experiences- “How is Your story shaping your responses to experiences within the marriage?”
Understanding the Combined Impact of Responses- “How are your collective responses shaping the dynamics within the marriage.”
You are invited to this weekly, in-person cohort!
WHEN: Tuesday nights 6:30-8:30pm September 2026.
This will run for 15 weeks (a weekly commitment from couples.)
WHERE: TBD. Participants will receive more details around the address and entry to the building.
COST: $150 per couple per 2 hour session, paid weekly or $1950 pay at once and receive 2 free sessions
Logistics on payments will be established on rsvp.
RSVP by August 1st to kristen@kristendodsoncounseling.com
Marriage Intensives
Intensives offer a three day experience of care and understanding for your marriage. They are conducted by two or more Story Informed Trauma Therapist with two to three couples.
If you are looking for a breakthrough or tune up in your marriage, an intensive is likely the best place for you!
Marriage Mentoring
Marriage Mentoring offers couples a combination of addressing their own individual stories while working together to better understand their collective marriage story.
The integration of this learning and awareness help couples find healing and forge a new future together
Marriage Workshops
Marriage workshops are designed for faith communities and counseling practices to make available to the broader group of people they serve. They take place in a one or two day format and can serve a greater number of participants.