My Approach

We are frequently confronted with the statistic that the divorce rate remains at a troubling 50%.  The breakdown of the family has been linked to many problems including: delinquency, poverty, violence, school failure, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and poor health.  The cost of divorce for both individuals and society is high.

It has been my experience that people leave a marriage because they don't have basic knowledge about the nature of marriage and the skills necessary to help their relationship thrive. If people knew how to make their marriages work they would keep their vows.  In addition, if marriages were strengthened, families and children would be strengthened, and in turn communities and nations would be fortified. 

Traditionally we have expected relationships to thrive on the love a couple has for each other.  When the relationship fails we often assume that the couple was not well matched.  However, in recent years researchers have studied what makes a relationship last and what makes it fall apart. It has been discovered that the success of a couple has more to do with skills the partners develop rather than innate qualities. 

The good news is that I can teach you to learn and hone these skills and enhance your chance for a successful marriage. 

During the counselling process with me you will have a safe and supportive environment in which to:

• ask any questions you have about me and my approach to counselling. 
• build a trusting relationship in which you can feel comfortable talking about your feelings
• tell me about your needs and concerns
• express what you hope to accomplish in counselling
• explore the changes you wish to make.
• identify the strengths and weakness in your marriage
• clarify your problems and issues
• formulate goals that will build on your strengths and  replace negative behaviours with new skills
• develop a plan of action for achieving those goals. 

Throughout the process, I will advise you on the characteristics of successful marriages and  help you develop the skills that will empower you to have a a joy-filled, lasting marriage.

All couples have their differences.   The key to success is not in finding the perfect partner but in dealing with your differences effectively. 

I will help you develop techniques for solving current problems and achieving unending growth in your relationship.  I will strive to assist you in learning to solve your own challenges because a couple who knows how to problem solve can keep their love -- and their marriage -- alive forever. 

Call today for a free, no obligation, 20 minute phone consultation.  We will discuss your problems and together decide how I might be able to help you.

I look forward to hearing from you. Contact me at:

Jean MacKenzie, MA Counselling, CCC
Fredericton, New Brunswick
By email: jean@jeanmackenzie.com
By Phone: (506) 461-7279