MARRIAGE & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Marriage Mediation Intensives, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
Faith - based Christian Counseling, non - profit, serving Sarasota / Bradenton and the Online Community Worldwide!
About Us
INSTRUMENTS OF HOPE AND HEALING
At Relational Skills, we believe that healing, restoration, and transformation are possible for every individual and every marriage. As a faith-based Christian nonprofit counseling and teaching organization, we are dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families toward emotional, relational, and spiritual renewal through the timeless truth of biblical principles combined with clinically sound counseling techniques.
Founded by Dr. JM and Dr. Anita Arrunategui, Relational Skills was born out of a deep calling to serve those who are hurting. Having personally walked through marital struggles, trauma, and the journey of healing, we understand firsthand the transformative power of faith, wisdom, and professional guidance in restoring relationships and emotional well-being.
With combined backgrounds in medicine, counseling, and ministry, we bring a unique blend of compassion, clinical expertise, and spiritual insight to our work. We are proud to serve the communities of Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
Our mission is twofold:
1. To help individuals and couples experience lasting healing and wholeness through Christ-centered counseling.
2. To equip and train those called to the counseling ministry with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively guide others toward restoration.
Meet The Founders
Anita J Arrunategui Ph.D.
Dr. Anita Arrunategui – Co-Founder & Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Anita Arrunategui is the Co-Founder and Clinical Supervisor of Relational Skills, where she is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families find emotional healing, relational restoration, and spiritual renewal. With an extensive background in Christian counseling, marriage mediation, and trauma healing, she brings a biblically grounded and clinically informed approach to each session.
Dr. Anita is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Certified Temperament Counselor, and Clinical Supervisor, holding advanced certifications in Marriage & Family Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.), and Temperament Training. She is also a Certified SYMBIS Facilitator and a Certified Marriage Mediator through the XO Marriage Mediators Institute, equipping couples with the tools they need to build strong, lasting marriages.
Her unique approach blends faith-based counseling, temperament analysis, and trauma-informed therapy to help individuals identify and break free from destructive cycles, heal from past wounds, and cultivate thriving relationships. She is deeply passionate about guiding people through identity struggles, communication breakdowns, emotional triggers, and spiritual growth.
Dr. Anita’s background in the medical field further enhances her understanding of the mind-body connection, allowing her to provide a holistic perspective in counseling. Her work extends beyond individual and marriage counseling—she is also committed to mentoring and training future Christian counselors, equipping them with the spiritual foundation and practical tools needed to help others.
Outside of counseling, Dr. Anita is devoted to her family and faith. Married to Dr. JM for over 40 years, she knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of a God-centered marriage. She treasures weekly date nights, morning walks, and quiet moments of prayer with her husband. Their greatest joy is spending time with their seven children and five granddaughters, and she remains passionate about helping women navigate marriage, motherhood, and personal growth through a biblical lens.
J M Arrunategui.M.D.
Dr. JM Arrunategui – Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. JM Arrunategui is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Relational Skills. Before transitioning into counseling, he had a distinguished career as an OB-GYN physician for over three decades, leading his own medical practice as CEO and earning recognition as a Life Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His years of experience in medicine provided a deep understanding of human relationships, emotional health, and the intersection of physical and spiritual well-being.
His passion for serving others has taken him across the world—Dr. Arrunategui has participated in 16 medical mission trips with TeamHealthCare, providing medical care, counseling, and hope to underserved communities. His experiences reinforced his desire to help people not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Now, as a Certified and Licensed Pastoral Counselor through the National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.), Certified and Licensed Temperament Counselor, and Certified SYMBIS Facilitator, Dr. Arrunategui specializes in helping individuals and couples heal from past wounds, navigate relational struggles, and build lasting, God-honoring marriages. He is also a founding member of the XO Marriage Mediators Institute, dedicated to conflict resolution and strengthening relationships through biblical principles.
Beyond his professional work, Dr. Arrunategui values faith, family, and lifelong learning. He has been married to Dr. Anita for over 40 years, and together, they prioritize weekly date nights, morning walks, and Bible study, living out the same principles they teach. He finds immense joy in spending time with his seven children and five granddaughters, and he remains deeply committed to helping others experience the same peace and fulfillment he has found in faith, marriage, and family.
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