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MARRIAGE & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Marriage Intervention, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
Are You Struggling with Personal or Marital Challenges?
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Do you feel disconnected in your marriage?
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Are past wounds and emotional struggles keeping you from moving forward?
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Have traditional counseling methods failed to address your spiritual and emotional needs?
You’re not alone. Relationships and personal struggles can be overwhelming, but healing is possible.
At Relational Skills, we offer faith-based counseling that blends biblical wisdom with clinically sound therapy techniques to help you restore emotional and relational health. Even if you’ve never considered yourself a person of faith, the foundation of biblical wisdom is where healing is found.
We believe healing happens when faith meets practical guidance.
Our approach combines:
Let us help you navigate your challenges with wisdom, faith, and proven strategies.

Real Stories, Real Healing
“Our marriage was at a breaking point, but thanks to Relational Skills, we’ve found a new beginning. Their faith-centered approach gave us the tools to rebuild our connection.”

Teresa
🌟 "My husband and I are a blended family and we were looking for ways to improve all that comes with that. We were so thankful to find Anita and Pepe at Relational Skills and their Marriage Mediation program. They gave us a safe space, guidance, and strategies that have given us the best"

Terecita
🌟 "Anita has helped me overcome trauma and even habits that I thought I was never going to be able to get through! Her patience, love and genuineness is impeccable. Thank you so much for everything. If anyone is thinking about it, please do not hesitate!"

Valerie
🌟 "Anita guided me with questions to help me get to the root of the issue, and using ART, I was able to erase and rewrite parts of my story to heal confusion and past pain. If you appreciate efficiency and thoroughness in healing, definitely schedule an appointment with Anita."
Meet Your Counselors: Dr. JM & Dr. Anita Arrunategui
With over 40 years of combined experience in counseling, ministry, and medicine, Drs. JM and Anita Arrunategui have helped countless individuals and couples find hope and renewal.
Having personally walked through marital struggles and healing, they understand firsthand the power of faith and professional guidance in restoring relationships.
Their mission is to:
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Help individuals and couples find lasting healing through Christ-centered counseling.
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Equip and train those called into the counseling ministry.
Heal Trauma and Break Free from Emotional Pain with A.R.T.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) is a cutting-edge, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress quickly and effectively. Using eye movement techniques similar to EMDR, A.R.T. allows clients to process painful memories and replace them with positive images, often achieving significant breakthroughs in just a few sessions.

The ART of Rapid Recovery | Laney Rosenzweig | TEDxSpringfield
Exploring the Benefits of Online Christian Marriage Counseling in Davie, FL
Christian premarital counseling serves as a valuable tool in helping couples establish a strong and lasting foundation for their marriage. Rooted in biblical principles, it addresses essential aspects of a relationship while fostering spiritual growth and emotional connection. Below is an exploration of the benefits it provides to couples preparing for lifelong commitment.
Enhancing Communication Skills
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage. Christian premarital counseling teaches couples how to:
- Express feelings and thoughts constructively.
- Actively listen to each other without judgment or interruption.
- Resolve conflicts by prioritizing love, respect, and understanding over anger or resentment.
By integrating biblical teachings, counselors guide couples on how to approach disagreements with grace and humility.
Aligning Spiritual Beliefs
Shared faith can strengthen the bond between partners. Christian premarital counseling helps couples:
- Explore their individual and collective spiritual beliefs.
- Develop shared goals for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth as a couple.
- Understand the role of God in their marriage as outlined in scripture (e.g., Ephesians 5:31).
This alignment can lead to deeper intimacy through shared values and a mutual sense of purpose.
Addressing Core Topics Before Marriage
Topic
Why It’s Important
Example Discussion Points
Finances
Prevents future disputes over money management
Budgeting strategies, debt repayment plans
Family planning
Ensures alignment on family goals
Decisions on children and parenting styles
Roles & responsibilities
Clarifies expectations within the household
Division of chores, shared duties
Intimacy & boundaries
Builds trust through transparency
Physical intimacy expectations
Addressing these areas early minimizes potential conflicts down the road.
Strengthening Emotional Bonds Through Faith-Based Guidance
Christian premarital counseling emphasizes forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love—qualities essential for a thriving partnership. Counselors often encourage activities like:
- Praying together daily as a couple to build emotional closeness.
- Studying scripture related to patience, kindness, and love (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13).
These practices help couples deepen their connection while equipping them with tools to navigate challenges together.
Preparing for Lifelong Commitment with Intentionality
Marriage is not just about romance; it requires commitment, resilience, and intentional effort. Through this form of counseling, couples learn how to cultivate:
1. A Christ-centered relationship where faith remains the guiding force during both joyful times and trials.
2. Resilience when faced with challenges by drawing strength from God’s promises.
By fostering intentionality from the beginning, Christian premarital counseling lays the groundwork for a marriage designed to thrive in unity both spiritually and emotionally.
Through structured sessions led by trained counselors or clergy members, couples are equipped with skills that strengthen their relationship while honoring God’s design for marriage—a covenant rooted in unwavering love and steadfast commitment.
Steps to Heal From a Toxic Relationship With Online Christian Counseling Davie, FL
Identifying and addressing toxic behaviors in a relationship is crucial for fostering a healthy, supportive partnership. Recognizing the signs of toxicity allows couples to take proactive steps toward healing and growth. Below, we’ll explore common indicators of a toxic relationship and provide actionable strategies to create a healthier dynamic.
Signs of a Toxic Relationship
Poor Communication: Frequent misunderstandings, aggressive language, or an inability to express thoughts clearly without fear.
Controlling Behavior: One partner dictates decisions, limits the other's autonomy, or monitors their activities excessively.
Lack of Trust: Persistent doubts about honesty or loyalty that lead to suspicion and insecurity.
Emotional Manipulation: Using guilt, blame-shifting, or gaslighting to control or influence the other partner.
Frequent Conflict: An unhealthy cycle of arguments without resolution or growth.
Disrespect: Dismissing feelings, belittling opinions, or engaging in hurtful behavior without remorse.
When multiple signs are present over time, they can negatively impact emotional well-being and diminish the overall quality of the relationship.
Steps Toward a Healthier Dynamic
Practice active listening by giving your full attention when your partner is speaking.
Use "I" statements instead of accusatory language (e.g., "I feel unheard" vs. "You never listen").
Schedule regular time for meaningful conversations.
Define what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable in the relationship.
Respect each other's personal space, privacy, and individual needs.
Be honest about feelings and intentions while avoiding deception.
Follow through on promises to demonstrate reliability.
Address past breaches of trust through open dialogue.
Work with a licensed counselor to identify underlying issues contributing to toxicity.
Consider approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or couples counseling for long-term improvement.
Focus on self-care practices such as exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness techniques.
Support each other's goals outside the relationship to promote independence.
Acknowledge each other's achievements rather than competing for superiority.
Show appreciation through small gestures like words of affirmation or acts of kindness.
Table: Healthy vs Toxic Relationship Indicators
Aspect
Healthy Relationship
Toxic Relationship
Communication
Open dialogue with mutual understanding
Frequent arguments or avoidance
Trust
Confidence in partner's intentions
Constant suspicion or jealousy
Emotional Connection
Empathy and support during challenges
Emotional coldness or manipulation
Conflict Resolution
Finding solutions together
Blaming without accountability
By identifying toxic patterns early on and committing to actionable steps toward improvement, relationships have an opportunity to transform into healthier bonds rooted in respect and compassion. Prioritizing growth—both individually and as partners—ensures that shared challenges become opportunities for development rather than sources of enduring strain.
8 Important Pre-Marriage Questions to Ask in Christian Counseling Davie, FL Before You Say I Do
Pre-marriage counseling is a vital step for couples looking to establish a strong, healthy foundation for their life together. Asking the right questions during these sessions can help partners align on values, expectations, and long-term goals. Below are eight essential questions to consider during pre-marriage counseling.
1. What Are Our Core Values and Beliefs?
Understanding your partner’s core values and beliefs ensures clarity about what truly matters to each person in the relationship. This includes:
- Religious or spiritual practices
- Ethical principles
- Political or social perspectives
Discussing these topics early can help prevent future misunderstandings or conflicts.
2. How Will We Handle Conflict and Disagreements?
Conflict resolution is an important skill in any marriage. During counseling, couples should explore:
- Preferred methods of communication during disagreements (e.g., active listening, time-outs)
- Whether they view conflict as an opportunity for growth or as a threat
- Boundaries around arguing (e.g., avoiding name-calling or personal attacks)
A professional counselor may provide tools such as reflective listening exercises or collaborative problem-solving techniques.
3. What Are Our Expectations Around Finances?
Money can be one of the most common sources of tension in marriage. Key financial questions include:
| Topic | Questions to Discuss |
|---------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Budgeting | How will we manage monthly expenses? Who tracks spending? |
| Debt | Do we have any existing debts? How do we plan to repay them? |
| Savings and Investments | What are our long-term financial goals (e.g., buying a home, retirement)? |
By addressing finances openly, couples can establish trust and work collaboratively toward shared financial objectives.
4. How Do We Define Roles Within Our Marriage?
Roles within marriage often vary based on personal preferences and cultural influences. Couples should discuss:
- Division of household responsibilities (chores, cooking, childcare)
- Career aspirations and how they may impact family dynamics
- Flexibility in roles over time as circumstances change
This helps ensure that both partners feel supported and respected in their contributions to the relationship.
5. What Are Our Long-Term Goals as a Couple?
Shared goals create purpose within a marriage while giving couples something meaningful to work toward together. Possible topics may include:
- Plans for starting a family (if applicable)
- Personal development goals for each partner
- Travel plans or lifestyle preferences
Counselors often encourage aligning individual aspirations with collective priorities.
6. How Do We Plan to Maintain Intimacy Over Time?
Emotional and physical intimacy requires effort throughout the course of a relationship. Couples should explore strategies such as:
- Scheduling regular date nights or quality time together
- Maintaining open communication about emotional needs
- Addressing changes in physical intimacy with care and understanding
Maintaining intimacy helps strengthen emotional bonds over time.
7. How Will We Navigate Relationships With Extended Family?
Family dynamics frequently play an influential role in married life. During counseling sessions, couples should discuss:
- Boundaries regarding extended family involvement
- Holiday traditions or schedules
- Approaches for addressing potential conflicts with in-laws
Clear communication ensures that both partners feel heard when it comes to balancing familial expectations.
8. What Does Commitment Mean to Us?
Commitment extends beyond simply staying together; it reflects shared dedication toward growing as individuals while nurturing the partnership itself:
- Define what commitment looks like during challenging seasons
- Discuss how external factors like career changes might influence commitment levels
- Explore ways both partners intend on prioritizing each other daily
Understanding mutual expectations around commitment fosters trust within the marriage framework.
By exploring these eight questions with honesty and openness during premarital counseling sessions, couples can gain insight into one another’s perspectives while preparing for challenges ahead effectively.
8 Important Pre-Marriage Questions Answered Through Christian Couples Counseling Davie, FL
Pre-marriage counseling serves as an invaluable resource for couples preparing to enter a lifelong commitment. Asking the right questions during these sessions can help partners align their values, expectations, and goals. Below are eight essential questions that should be explored during pre-marriage counseling to foster understanding and strengthen your relationship.
Understanding Expectations for Marriage in Christian Premarital Counseling Davie, FL
Every individual brings unique expectations into a marriage, often shaped by personal experiences and cultural norms. Discussing topics such as roles in the household, career aspirations, lifestyle preferences, and intimacy can help manage potential conflicts down the road.
Key Focus Areas:
- Division of chores and responsibilities
- Preferences regarding children and parenting styles
- Work-life balance priorities
How a Christian Marriage Therapist in Davie, FL Can Help You Handle Conflict
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but learning how to navigate disagreements constructively is crucial for long-term success. Couples should discuss their natural conflict-resolution tendencies and agree on healthy ways to address issues together.
Healthy Conflict Management Strategies:
- Active listening without interrupting one another
- Using “I” statements instead of blaming language
- Taking time-outs when emotions escalate
The Role of Family in Guidance from Christian Marriage Counselors Davie, FL
Family dynamics can have a significant impact on your relationship. Understanding each partner's connection with their family—along with boundaries related to in-laws or extended relatives—can prevent misunderstandings later on.
Questions to Consider:
- How often will we visit family?
- What boundaries do we want to set with parents or siblings?
- How involved will family be in major decisions like holidays or raising children?
How Can Christian Marriage Counseling in Davie, FL Help with Financial Goals and Habits?
Financial stress is one of the most common sources of tension among couples. Discussing financial habits, goals, debts, savings plans, and spending priorities ensures both partners are aligned when it comes to money management.
Topic
Questions to Ask
Why It Matters
Budgeting
“What’s our plan for monthly expenses?”
Helps avoid overspending or miscommunication
Debt
“How much debt do we each have?”
Ensures transparency about financial obligations
Financial Goals
“Do we align on long-term saving priorities?”
Builds shared vision for future investments & goals
How Christian Based Counseling in Davie, FL Can Help Define Intimacy and Romance
Emotional and physical intimacy plays a significant role in maintaining closeness within a marriage. Partners should openly communicate about what makes them feel valued, loved, and connected within the relationship.
Topics could include: - Love languages: How does each of you express love best? - Frequency of physical affection - Nurturing romance over time
How Christian Family Counseling in Davie, FL Addresses Religion and Spirituality
For many couples, shared values around religion or spirituality are essential elements that influence decision-making processes including holidays or raising children.
Discuss whether: - Faith communities will play key roles - Specific traditions will feature prominently
How Christian Premarital Counseling Works: Preparing Couples for Lifelong Success
Christian premarital counseling is a faith-based approach designed to prepare couples for the challenges and joys of marriage. By integrating biblical principles with practical guidance, this process equips couples with the tools necessary to build a strong, God-centered foundation for their relationship. Below is an overview of how Christian premarital counseling works and why it is an essential step for couples seeking a lifelong, meaningful partnership.
Core Elements of Christian Premarital Counseling
Couples are encouraged to center their marriage on their shared faith in Christ.
Discussions often include scripture-based teachings that reflect God's design for marriage.
Counselors emphasize how spiritual growth as individuals and as a couple strengthens marital bonds.
Counselors create a safe space where couples can openly discuss expectations, fears, and hopes about marriage.
Conflict resolution techniques rooted in Christian values are taught to help navigate disagreements respectfully and constructively.
Sessions may explore biblical roles such as servant leadership and mutual submission (e.g., Ephesians 5:21-33).
Couples learn to support one another while honoring their unique contributions within the relationship.
Topics such as finances, communication styles, intimacy, and parenting are covered through the lens of faith.
These discussions encourage forward-thinking and problem-solving before issues arise.
Benefits of Christian Premarital Counseling
Benefit
Description
Deeper Spiritual Connection
Encourages shared prayer life and spiritual growth within the relationship
Conflict Management Skills
Teaches grace-filled approaches to handling disagreements
Clarity on Shared Values
Aligns partners on important commitments like worship practices or ministry
Long-Term Focus
Encourages seeing marriage through an eternal perspective
A Typical Christian Premarital Counseling Process
Initial Assessment: The process typically begins with an assessment questionnaire to identify strengths, areas for growth, and potential challenges in the relationship.
Guided Sessions: Each session covers specific topics like communication skills, financial stewardship, or family expectations while incorporating relevant scripture.
Homework & Reflection: Couples may be assigned readings (e.g., Bible passages) or tasks like journaling about personal expectations or discussing future goals together.
Accountability & Mentorship: Many programs pair couples with mentors—experienced married couples who provide advice and accountability throughout their journey.
Why This Step Matters
Marriage is not without its challenges; however, entering into it fully prepared increases the likelihood of long-term success. By focusing on spiritual growth alongside practical preparation, Christian premarital counseling sets couples up for a Christ-centered union that thrives even in difficult times. This approach ensures that both partners understand not only their roles but also God's purpose for their marriage—a covenant designed to glorify Him while fostering love, support, and unity between husband and wife.
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