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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
How Christian Counseling Deltona, FL Can Strengthen Relationships Through Premarital Guidance
Christian premarital counseling is a faith-based approach designed to help couples prepare for a lifelong commitment within the framework of Christian values and teachings. It focuses on building a solid foundation for marriage by addressing key aspects of the relationship, fostering spiritual growth, and enhancing communication. By integrating biblical principles with practical tools, this form of counseling equips couples to navigate challenges and deepen their bond.
Key Insights from a Christian Marriage Therapist in Deltona, FL on Premarital Counseling
Faith and Spiritual Alignment:
Couples explore their individual faith journeys and how they align as a unit. Discussions may include shared values, prayer practices, and attending church together.Communication Skills:
Counselors emphasize effective communication techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution strategies, and open dialogue about expectations in marriage.Financial Stewardship:
Money often becomes a source of tension in relationships. Counselors guide couples through discussions on budgeting, managing debt, tithing, saving for the future, and aligning financial goals.Roles Within Marriage:
Understanding biblical roles in marriage can help clarify expectations regarding responsibilities within the partnership. This includes discussions on leadership, submission, mutual respect, and equality.Conflict Resolution:
Couples learn how to address disagreements constructively while maintaining grace and understanding. The emphasis is on resolving conflicts in ways that honor each other’s feelings.
How Christian Marriage Counselors in Deltona, FL Can Enhance Your Premarital Journey
Stronger Emotional Intimacy:
By addressing personal vulnerabilities in a safe space guided by faith-based counselors, couples often achieve deeper emotional connections.Preparation for Lifelong Commitment:
Counseling provides insights into what it means to commit not only to one another but also to living according to God’s design for marriage.Shared Vision for Marriage:
Exploring long-term goals together fosters alignment on important topics like family planning, parenting styles, career pursuits, and spiritual growth.Spiritual Growth Together:
Couples are encouraged to pray together regularly and engage with Scripture as a means of strengthening their bond through shared spiritual practices.Reduced Risk of Divorce:
Studies have shown that premarital counseling significantly reduces divorce rates by helping couples identify potential sources of conflict before they arise.
Exploring the Benefits of Christian Marriage Counseling Deltona, FL
Aspect
Traditional Premarital Counseling
Christian Premarital Counseling
Emphasis
Psychological & emotional preparedness
Biblical principles alongside emotional depth
Counselor's Role
Neutral facilitator
Faith-based guidance rooted in Scripture
Topics Covered
Communication skills & finances
Same topics with added focus on spirituality
Approach to Conflict
Secular techniques
Christ-centered conflict resolution
Discover the Benefits of Christian Based Counseling Deltona, FL
Christian premarital counseling goes beyond preparing couples for marital challenges; it invites them into a deeper relationship with Christ while building habits that sustain love over time. This unique combination of practical advice and spiritual guidance ensures that couples are equipped not only for the initial years but also for the seasons ahead where faith will anchor them through trials.
By prioritizing this type of preparation before saying "I do," couples set themselves up for greater relational satisfaction while fostering a union rooted firmly in love and faithfulness according to God's design.
Fostering Love and Faith with Online Christian Marriage Counseling Deltona, FL
Christian premarital counseling is a faith-centered approach to preparing couples for the journey of marriage. By integrating biblical principles with evidence-based counseling techniques, it equips couples with the tools needed to build a strong relationship based on love, respect, and mutual understanding. This process not only focuses on addressing potential challenges but also emphasizes spiritual growth as a cornerstone of marital success.
Essential Aspects of Christian Family Counseling Deltona, FL
Spiritual Alignment: Counselors guide couples in exploring their individual and shared faith journeys, ensuring they have a unified spiritual foundation.
Biblical Principles: Key teachings from scripture are applied to help couples understand concepts like forgiveness, patience, humility, and commitment within marriage.
Communication Skills: Practical tools are taught to foster open and honest discussions between partners.
Conflict Resolution: Couples learn constructive ways to address disagreements while maintaining respect and love for one another.
Financial Stewardship: Biblical perspectives on money management are introduced to help couples navigate financial planning as a team.
Expectations in Marriage: Counselors facilitate discussions around roles, responsibilities, and shared goals within the partnership.
Benefits of Christian Premarital Counseling
Strengthened Faith Foundation
Couples learn how their faith can serve as an anchor during challenging times. Praying together, studying scripture, and attending worship services as a unit can deepen their bond.Improved Communication
Open dialogue encouraged during counseling often translates into better communication throughout the marriage.Preparedness for Conflict Management
With tailored strategies grounded in biblical teachings, couples become better equipped to handle conflicts peacefully.Financial Unity
Creating financial plans rooted in stewardship fosters trust while aligning spending behaviors with shared values.Clarified Roles and Expectations
Conversations facilitated by counselors allow partners to enter marriage with clear understanding of each other's aspirations.
Table: Comparison Between Traditional and Christian Premarital Counseling
Aspect
Traditional Counseling
Christian Counseling
Focus
Emotional/psychological readiness
Spiritual growth alongside emotional readiness
Core Teachings
Psychological theories
Biblical principles
Role of Faith
Optional
Central
Tools Provided
Communication techniques
Scripture-based communication tools
Long-Term Impact on Relationships
Christian premarital counseling prepares couples not just for the wedding day but for years of enduring partnership. It nurtures love by cultivating empathy and kindness while strengthening faith by encouraging reliance on God's guidance. Moreover, it supports understanding by promoting deep conversations about life goals and values.
By establishing these foundations early in their relationship journey, couples increase their likelihood of building marriages that are resilient amidst challenges yet deeply fulfilling emotionally and spiritually.
Discover the Benefits of Online Christian Counseling in Deltona, FL for Stronger Relationships
Christian premarital counseling serves as a foundational step for couples preparing for marriage, offering a faith-centered approach to address key aspects of their relationship. By integrating biblical principles with practical strategies, it helps build a strong and lasting partnership. Below, we explore the essential role this form of counseling plays in fostering resilient marriages.
Deepening Emotional and Spiritual Connection
Shared Faith: Understanding how faith influences individual and shared values, decision-making, and family dynamics.
Spiritual Practices: Incorporating prayer, worship, and scripture reading together as part of daily life.
Forgiveness and Grace: Learning to extend compassion during conflicts or misunderstandings.
By prioritizing these elements, couples strengthen not only their relationship with each other but also with God.
Addressing Key Relationship Areas
Developing active listening habits.
Learning how to express concerns respectfully without resorting to defensiveness or frustration.
Identifying healthy ways to resolve disputes while maintaining unity as a couple.
Using scripture-based principles like humility and patience during disagreements.
Discussing spending habits, budgeting strategies, and long-term financial goals from a biblical perspective.
Exploring expectations regarding household roles through the lens of faith-based teachings on partnership.
Area
Key Focus
Tools Provided
Communication
Active listening & respectful dialogue
Role-playing exercises & guided scripts
Conflict Resolution
Healthy dispute management
Biblical conflict examples & guidelines
Financial Planning
Budgeting aligned with shared values
Tools for joint financial planning
Preparing for Lifelong Commitment
One core element of Christian premarital counseling is its emphasis on covenantal love—a sacred promise between spouses that mirrors God’s unwavering commitment to His people. This perspective encourages couples to view marriage not just as a contract but as an enduring spiritual union that requires ongoing effort and dedication.
Practical steps often discussed include:
- Setting clear expectations about roles within the marriage based on mutual understanding and respect. - Recognizing that love evolves over time but requires consistent nurturing through acts of service, kindness, and open communication. - Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as obstacles threatening the relationship’s foundation.
Building Accountability Systems
Another unique aspect of Christian premarital counseling is building accountability structures within the marriage. Couples are often encouraged to seek guidance from mentors or join small groups at their church where they can share experiences, ask questions, and offer support to others in similar stages of life.
A supportive community that reinforces biblical principles regarding marital commitment.
Encouragement from seasoned couples who’ve navigated similar struggles.
A safe space where they can grow both individually and together in faith.
Christian premarital counseling provides tools not only for starting married life on solid ground but also for sustaining joy-filled relationships rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect over time.
Christian Couples Counseling Deltona, FL: Expert Support for Stronger Marriages
Christian marriage therapy provides a faith-centered framework for couples seeking to strengthen their bond and build a lasting connection. Rooted in biblical principles and spiritual understanding, this approach not only addresses relationship challenges but also fosters emotional, spiritual, and mental growth within the partnership. Below is an exploration of how expert Christian marriage therapy can guide couples toward deeper intimacy and mutual respect.
Core Principles of Christian Marriage Therapy
Biblical Guidance: Scripture serves as a cornerstone for understanding God’s design for marriage, offering lessons on patience, humility, and unconditional love.
Prayer as a Tool: Couples are encouraged to pray together regularly to invite God into their relationship and seek His guidance during moments of conflict or uncertainty.
Communication Through Love: Therapists emphasize kind and empathetic communication that reflects Christ’s teachings on treating others with compassion and understanding.
Commitment to Growth: Both partners are encouraged to commit to personal growth in faith and character while supporting each other along the journey.
Addressing Common Challenges in Marriage
Challenge
Biblical Insight
Therapeutic Approach
Communication Breakdown
Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath."
Teaching active listening skills
Trust Issues
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind...forgiving one another."
Building trust through accountability
Conflict Resolution
Matthew 18:15 - "If your brother sins against you..."
Encouraging open yet respectful dialogue
Lack of Intimacy
1 Corinthians 7:3 - "Fulfill marital duties..."
Fostering emotional vulnerability
Benefits of Christian Marriage Therapy
Deeper Spiritual Connection
By integrating faith into their relationship, couples develop a shared sense of purpose rooted in God’s will for their partnership. Prayer sessions together can nurture intimacy beyond physical or emotional realms.Improved Communication
Therapists help couples practice effective communication techniques informed by biblical teachings on patience, kindness, and self-control.Healing Past Wounds
The process emphasizes forgiveness—a vital component of the Christian faith—to help partners overcome past hurts or betrayals.Strengthened Commitment
By viewing marriage as a covenant rather than merely an agreement, couples gain a renewed sense of dedication to honoring their vows.Guidance During Life Transitions
Whether navigating parenthood, career changes, or aging parents’ care needs, Christian therapy provides tools to manage transitions with grace and unity.
Practical Steps for Couples Considering Christian Marriage Therapy
Seek out certified therapists who incorporate biblical teachings into their practice.
Discuss expectations with your partner about what you hope to achieve through therapy.
Commit time not only for sessions but also for practicing new skills at home—prayer time together being one example.
Be open about your struggles while maintaining mutual respect during discussions.
Christian marriage counseling goes beyond addressing surface-level issues by diving deep into the spiritual core of relationships. Through expert guidance tailored around biblical truths, couples can cultivate lasting love built on faith-driven principles.
Strengthening Emotional and Spiritual Connection
One of the primary goals of Christian marriage counseling is fostering both emotional intimacy and spiritual connection within the relationship.
Faith-Based Perspective: Counselors guide couples to deepen their relationship through shared faith practices like prayer, scripture study, and worship.
Vulnerability: Couples are encouraged to openly share struggles and emotions within a safe environment that aligns with Christian principles.
Spiritual Growth Together: Working together on spiritual development often leads to a stronger bond built on shared beliefs.
Improved Communication Skills
Active Listening Techniques: Learning how to genuinely hear your partner without judgment or interruption.
Non-Verbal Communication Clarity: Understanding body language, tone, and expressions can reduce misunderstandings.
Problem-Solving Dialogue: Strategies are provided for addressing issues constructively instead of allowing conflicts to escalate.
Tools for Conflict Resolution
Biblical Principles in Conflict Management: Counselors incorporate scripture-based teachings such as "be quick to listen, slow to speak" (James 1:19) when resolving disagreements.
Forgiveness Practices: Emphasis is placed on Christ-like forgiveness as a foundation for reconciliation.
Learning Boundaries: Partners establish boundaries that respect individual needs while prioritizing unity.
Rekindling Love and Understanding
Rediscovering Shared Goals: Counselors assist couples in identifying common objectives that align with their values.
Intentional Quality Time Guidance: Practical advice is offered on spending meaningful time together amidst busy schedules.
Grace-Filled Love Practices: Emphasizing unconditional love rooted in faith reminds partners of their covenant promise.
A Comprehensive Approach: Emotional Support Meets Faith-Based Guidance
Area Addressed
Counseling Approach
Communication Challenges
Teaching active listening + clear expression
Spiritual Disconnection
Encouraging prayer/devotional routines
Financial Stress
Providing biblical stewardship insights
Intimacy Concerns
Strengthening emotional & physical connection
Ultimately, Christian marriage counseling provides couples with enduring tools to nurture their relationship. By focusing on faith-centered practices alongside practical strategies for resolving issues, partners can create a healthier union based on mutual respect and Christ’s teachings.
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