Healing and enhancing relationships
I’ve been reading a book the past few days that is speaking loudly to me. It isn’t that I don’t already know some of what the author presents. It’s that there’s enough that I didn’t know and what I do know is organized and presented so well that I love the book. It’s The Relationship Cure by John Gottman, Ph.D.
In case you don’t know about Dr. Gottman, he’s a professor, relationship researcher, and therapist in Seattle. One of his claims to fame is that he’s demonstrated that he can observe a relationship for a matter of minutes and then predict with over 90% accuracy if that relationship will last more than a few years. He tells how in one of his books.
If you don’t know this about me, relationship healing and enhancement is one of my passions. It’s also been a focus of mine in my past professional work as a coach, therapist, educator, and workshop facilitator. I’m sure it will be again when I finally step back into that identity.
So, I’m feeling moved to share with you my list of favorite books about relationships. Then I’ll ask you to tell me about more. Here they are:
Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks, Ph.D.s:
Conscious Loving
The Conscious Heart
Lasting Love
Attracting Genuine Love
Spirit-Centered Relationships
Marianne Williamson:
A Return to Love
Enchanted Love
John Gottman, Ph.D.:
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail... And How You Can Make Yours Last
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
The Relationship Cure
Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D.:
Nonviolent Communication; a Language of Compassion
Greg Baer, M.D.:
Real Love
Real Love in Marriage (in my opinion, a better book than Real Love, but you’ll have to order it through his web site - www.realloveinstitute.com)
Real Love in Dating (also available through his web site)
Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.:
If the Buddha Dated
If the Buddha Married
A Home for the Heart; A Practical Guide to Intimate and Social Relationships
John Welwood, Ph.D.:
Journey of the Heart; The Path of Conscious Love
Barry Vissell, M.D. and Joyce Vissell, R.N., M.S.:
The Shared Heart: Relationship Initiations & Celebrations
Light in the Mirror
Stephen and Ondrea Levine:
Embracing the Beloved; Relationship as a Path of Awakening
Don Miguel Ruiz, M.D.:
The Four Agreements
The Mastery of Love
Richard Bach:
Bridge Across Forever
A Course in Miracles (this is really more a spiritual path than just a book about relationships, but it’s too relevant not to list)
Robert Perry:
Relationships as a Spiritual Journey (based on A Course in Miracles)
Susan Page:
If We’re So In Love, Why Aren’t We Happy? Using Spiritual Principles to Solve Real Problems
If I’m So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?
The Eight Essential Traits of Couples Who Thrive
Susan Campbell, Ph.D.:
Truth in Dating: Finding Love by Getting Real
Kenny & Julia Loggins:
The Unimaginable Life
Harville Hendrix:
Getting the Love You Want
Keeping the Love You Find
Giving the Love That Heals
I’m eager to know about any other great relationship books. So, do you have any favorite books about healing or enhancing relationships that I’ve missed?
Namaste,
Michael
In case you don’t know about Dr. Gottman, he’s a professor, relationship researcher, and therapist in Seattle. One of his claims to fame is that he’s demonstrated that he can observe a relationship for a matter of minutes and then predict with over 90% accuracy if that relationship will last more than a few years. He tells how in one of his books.
If you don’t know this about me, relationship healing and enhancement is one of my passions. It’s also been a focus of mine in my past professional work as a coach, therapist, educator, and workshop facilitator. I’m sure it will be again when I finally step back into that identity.
So, I’m feeling moved to share with you my list of favorite books about relationships. Then I’ll ask you to tell me about more. Here they are:
Kathlyn and Gay Hendricks, Ph.D.s:
Conscious Loving
The Conscious Heart
Lasting Love
Attracting Genuine Love
Spirit-Centered Relationships
Marianne Williamson:
A Return to Love
Enchanted Love
John Gottman, Ph.D.:
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail... And How You Can Make Yours Last
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
The Relationship Cure
Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D.:
Nonviolent Communication; a Language of Compassion
Greg Baer, M.D.:
Real Love
Real Love in Marriage (in my opinion, a better book than Real Love, but you’ll have to order it through his web site - www.realloveinstitute.com)
Real Love in Dating (also available through his web site)
Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.:
If the Buddha Dated
If the Buddha Married
A Home for the Heart; A Practical Guide to Intimate and Social Relationships
John Welwood, Ph.D.:
Journey of the Heart; The Path of Conscious Love
Barry Vissell, M.D. and Joyce Vissell, R.N., M.S.:
The Shared Heart: Relationship Initiations & Celebrations
Light in the Mirror
Stephen and Ondrea Levine:
Embracing the Beloved; Relationship as a Path of Awakening
Don Miguel Ruiz, M.D.:
The Four Agreements
The Mastery of Love
Richard Bach:
Bridge Across Forever
A Course in Miracles (this is really more a spiritual path than just a book about relationships, but it’s too relevant not to list)
Robert Perry:
Relationships as a Spiritual Journey (based on A Course in Miracles)
Susan Page:
If We’re So In Love, Why Aren’t We Happy? Using Spiritual Principles to Solve Real Problems
If I’m So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?
The Eight Essential Traits of Couples Who Thrive
Susan Campbell, Ph.D.:
Truth in Dating: Finding Love by Getting Real
Kenny & Julia Loggins:
The Unimaginable Life
Harville Hendrix:
Getting the Love You Want
Keeping the Love You Find
Giving the Love That Heals
I’m eager to know about any other great relationship books. So, do you have any favorite books about healing or enhancing relationships that I’ve missed?
Namaste,
Michael