Marriage Unhindered

Doug returns to the mailbag to tackle tough questions about emotionally abusive family relationships, including forgiveness, boundaries, and seeking counseling. The show closes with the Friday Rant.
Listener questions and comments:
Art – I’m going through a divorce. What type of counseling should I seek? (10:38)

Lenea – I’m facing a situation like the man who doesn’t want a divorce. My daughter is close to divorce—are there lawyers who specialize in this type of case? (20:42)

Carlos – My wife didn’t want to see a Catholic counselor, even though friends offered to help cover one. Here’s what I’ve learned from counseling. (23:20)


Resources:

Marriage Unhindered
https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

Happy Marriage for Life
https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Catholic Therapists
https://catholictherapists.com/

Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Doug for a discussion on therapy. When should you go to therapy, and how do you find a good therapist?

Listener questions and comments:

Don - Critical stress response debriefing: Is that actually helpful as therapy? (10:02)
Nicholas - My wife is at home and I work. I am struggling to manage devotions as a new father. (19:11)
Patsy - I feel like my husband needs his own therapy and he won’t go. (26:45)
Amelia - Do you have any advice for my son who is getting into marriage therapy? He is in college. (30:47)
Mary & Paul - I met your son, Father Joe! We received his blessing. (36:04)
Martin - I was a police officer and 4 of my guys committed suicide. As a first responder we need to sit down on the outside of the agency to respond to people. (38:19)

Resources:
Dr. Mario Sacasa
https://www.drmariosacasa.com/

Marriage Unhindered
https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

Happy Marriage for Life
https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/

Catholic Therapists
https://catholictherapists.com/

Catholic Psychotherapy
https://catholicpsychotherapy.org/

Doug goes to the mail bag. How do you deal with the suicide of a family member? If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for help.

Listener question and comments:
John - When someone dies by suicide, family should not blame themselves. There is always help, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is so powerful. (9:05)
Amaris - My brother committed suicide on the 4th of this month and I would like to share my story. (13:34)
Victor - My nephew took his life at 18. There were no signs leading up to it. He was a good student and it was so surprising. You never know what’s going on. (24:34)
Lee - I just had a friend of 55 years involved in a murder/suicide. I don’t know how to get over something like this. (26:47)
Andrew - I want to share a couple of resources I used. My dad committed suicide and I needed a lot of help. (33:27)

Resources:

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 for help.

Post-traumatic Growth
https://relevantradio.com/2026/01/post-traumatic-growth/

When you got married, how much time did you spend discerning God’s will for you? Today on Marriage Unhindered, Elizabeth Busby joins Doug to discuss marriage discernment.

Listener questions and comments:
Bill - Do dating rules apply to all ages? (15:30)
Julie - I have a son who is going to be 22 and he is going to be graduating. I am concerned he won’t be able to find a wife soon. (37:55)

Resources:
Discerning Marriage
https://www.discerningmarriage.com/

Doug explores how lying affects marriages, how to respond, and ways to foster honesty. Listeners share personal experiences, including insights from a recovered liar and the impact of dementia on a spouse’s truthfulness.
Listener questions and comments:
Junior – I am a reformed liar and want to share my perspective. Confession helped me realize you don’t have to lie. (35:37)
Paulette – My husband died from dementia and began lying years ago when he couldn’t explain events. I now see his lying as a symptom of the disease. (45:23)

Resources:

Marriage Unhindered
https://www.marriageunhindered.com/

Rekindled Hearts Marriage Bundle
https://relevantradio.store/collections/books/products/marriage-bundle

Happy Marriage for Life
https://www.happymarriageforlife.com/