Couples' Therapy

by Michelle Larks

President of the Helping Hand Club of Chicago’s Christian Fellowship Church, Meesha Morrison proposes starting a couple’s therapy ministry. Her husband’s been so busy climbing the corporate ladder, he hardly ever spends time with his family, and Meesha believes this could be just the thing that can save their marriage. Eventually, four couples take a leap of faith and sign up, and soon begin sharing the issues putting the most strain on their relationships, including grown children moving back home, an unplanned pregnancy and growing pains in a newly married interracial couple. Secrets and lies are exposed and dealt with in a powerful tale that heralds the importance of communication and the power of forgiveness.

512 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I am the author of 5 books, the titles include A Myriad of Emotions, Crisis Mode, Mirrored Images, Who's Your Daddy, and contributing author to Blended Families, and The Midnight Clear. My latest title is Keeping Misery Company, and I have a new book coming out on July 29th, 2008 called The Legacies."

Reviews

[Beatrice Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read. It reminded me of some bible verses I had forgotten or never read.
It wasn't all holier than thou though like some are. The people had everyday problems, and the therapy group was a great idea.
The book wasn't all fluff either where everything turned out the way they all wanted it to.
Some of the participants found that what they thought they wanted to happen wasn't the best for them in the long run.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Christian Fellowship Church couples are struggling with issues beyond their control in Couples Therapy by Michelle Larks. Four couples agree to attend couples therapy, a new program at the church. While attending therapy these couples find out their strengths and weaknesses.

Meesha Morrison has a hidden agenda and it is getting her husband, Edward, to join in the therapy she has already committed them to. Meesha is determine to save her marriage but Edward has other plans.

Kenneth and Beverly Howard are at odds over their son Amir. Beverly’s constant condoling of Amir has caused a rift in her marriage. When Amir is arrested after a major event, Beverly has no choice but to open her eyes and see her situation for what it truly is.

Julia is having trouble accepting her new Caucasian daughter-in-law. Douglas is trying his best to help his wife through this time as well as being there for his son, Brandon, and daughter-in-law Erin. Julia and Douglas agree to join the couples therapy at their church to help them adjust to the new changes in their life.

Brandon and Erin Freeman is a young newlywed couple expecting their first child. It has been hard for the couple to adjust to being married while living in Brandon’s parent’s basement. Erin is trying her best to get her mother-in-law to like her to no avail. Erin becomes ill and has to be rushed to the hospital. The birth of this child will change the Freeman’s life forever.

Couples therapy is about family, forgiveness, and faith. We can do all things through Christ and these four couples faith will be tested. The author does a wonderful job including issues and problems married couples are dealing with every day. This will help readers relate to the characters and will have them feeling every emotion these couples go through. After reading Couples Therapy, I am so glad my husband and I attending therapy before we got married to prevent ending in therapy after being married. Once again, Michelle Larks has written a compelling book that many can appreciate. I recommend this book to others.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

[Mrs. Varela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Larks' book Couples Therapy has an inspiring take on what it means to receive marital counseling. The story opens with Meesha Morrison who shares what she believes is a God-given vision for a new ministry at Chicago's Christian Fellowship Church. After sharing the idea of a Couples Therapy ministry with her fellow Helping Hands ministry members, the group agrees to have Meesha make a presentation to their pastor, Rev. Dudley.

Covering all of her bases, Meesha also has a facilitator in mind; her close friend and licensed therapist, Dr. Zora Taylor. Only Zora and Meesha's best friend Regina know that Meesha has a hidden agenda for the implementation of the ministry, that is to save her own marriage.

As individuals come forward to particpate in the therapy sessions, some find it difficult to get their mates to agree to join them. Meesha's husband, Edward is unable to carry a civil conversation with his wife. While another couple, Julia and Doug disagree on whether or not help is needed concerning their college-aged son Brandon who has moved home with his pregnant wife, Erin. Doug's friend Kenneth and his wife, Beverly are at odds on how to handle his wayward stepson, Amir. Not to be left out, Dr. Zora Taylor has relationship issues of her own.

Ultimately, the reader will draw from the book a realistic storyline, spiritual lessons and will see how communication can be strengthened between husbands, wives, sons and daughters by leaning on God and one another for support.

[Dream 4 More Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Discussion Interview:
We have Michelle Larks joining us on Dream4More Radio on BTR on Sunday, September 25th, at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time/5 p.m. Central. 347-989-0702. Online: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dream4mo...

Dream host: Adrienna Turner cannot wait to ask a couple questions on the line in reference to writing choices, on relationships, and what encouraged her to write this book. Overall, I have learned so much from the book on love, relationships, reconcile past memories or incidents, and forgiveness. We also see things as we want to see it and not willing to open our eyes to see the real issue until we are brought in and can't help not ignore like Beverly Howard had to see! I loved the older men in the story and their love for their wives, vows, especially Doug Howard. So far, I believe this is one of the best books thus far I read by Michelle but also liked/enjoyed her past books that I've had the pleasure to read.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel, you will meet and read about some couples who go through various circumstances and clearly understand why a couples' therapy ministry is highly needed at Chicago's Christian Fellowship Church. All relationships have their issues whether single, married, separated, or kids out-of-wedlock. How many are willing to admit, change, and even seek counseling to keep the marriage (or relationship) on track?

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because the characters were really interesting. The individual problems that confronted each of the couples were realistic and they reflected the ills that people are dealing with in the real world. I particularly liked the ending because it didn't end with all the couples overcoming their individual obstacles.

[Latanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great entertaining book!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read a few chapters & skimmed the last.

[Angela Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRAVO MICHELLE LARKS~COUPLES THERAPY LEFT ME SATISFIED AND WANTING MORE!! PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS A PART TWO I WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE MEMBERS AT Christian Friendship Church

[Sharron L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story line!!