EP 01 - Dr. Robert S. Paul

This week we go UpStream with Robert S. Paul, LPC  Vice President of Focus Marriage Institute.

In this insightful episode, host Joy Tolle, a chaplain with River Radio Ministries, interviews Dr. Robert S. Paul from Focus on the Family. Together, they explore the challenges faced by marriages today and delve into the resources and programs available to help couples navigate through crises. Dr. Paul shares his expertise on the importance of investing time and effort into maintaining a healthy relationship, understanding and appreciating differences between spouses, and creating a safe and secure environment for open communication. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and encouragement for couples striving to strengthen their marriage.
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Dr. Robert S. Paul is an accomplished speaker who presents regularly at professional conferences and enrichment events both nationally and internationally. He has co-authored five books: “The DNA of Relationships,” with Drs. Gary and Greg Smalley, “The DNA of Relationships for Couples,” and “9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the truths that will save it and set it free,” with Dr. Greg Smalley, and “Finding Ever After.” His most recent book, “Restoring Hope: An Integrative Approach to Marital Therapy,” written with Dr. Robert Burbee and Dr. Christine Arnzen, is geared toward professional therapists, pastors, and lay counselors, and presents the Focus Marriage Model and Focus Marital Therapy approach that underlies Focus’s successful Hope Restored Marriage Intensive programs. 

He is a former professor at Evangel University where he taught in both the biblical studies and psychology departments, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling, Human Sexuality and the integration of faith into all areas of life. Paul and his wife, Jenni, live in Springfield, Mo., and have been married for over 40 years. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Chapters

• 0:01 Chapter 1: Introduction and overview by Joy Tolle, journeying with Jesus as a guide, introduction of Dr. Robert S. Paul from Focus on the Family, discussing resources for marriages in crisis.
• 0:32 Chapter 2: Dr. Robert S. Paul's Books and Expertise. Discussion of Dr. Paul's books on relationships and marital therapy, the target audience for his books, and the common issue of marriages in crisis encountered by chaplains.
• 1:27 Chapter 3: Focus on the Family's Mission & Programs. Overview of FOTF's broad mission, history of the organization's focus on parenting and marriage, expansion into social issues & advocacy, & various programs offered by the organization
• 2:37 Chapter 4: Marriage Programs at FOT. Focus on three primary areas in marriage: Prepare for engaged couples, Strengthen for couples wanting improvement, and Save for couples in crisis. Introduction to the Hope Restored program and its success.
• 3:49 Chapter 5: Intensive Therapy and Hope Restored. Discussion on the intensive therapy approach of Hope Restored, the structure of the program, and its effectiveness in addressing core marital issues.
• 4:52 Chapter 6: Uncovering and Addressing Core Issues. Exploring the reasons behind marriage struggles, the importance of faith in finding hope, and helping couples uncover and address obstacles to marital blessings.
• 6:18 Chapter 7: Common Marriage Challenges. The biggest problems faced by marriages, the importance of continuous investment in marriage, and the challenges posed by differences between spouses.
• 8:24 Chapter 8: Working Together in Marriage. Emphasizing teamwork in marriage, understanding and valuing differences between spouses, and avoiding adversarial attitudes that harm marital relationships.
• 10:44 Chapter 9: Strengthening Marriage Through Connection. Exploring the significance of emotional connection in marriage, the importance of open communication about feelings, and practical tips for strengthening marital bonds.
• 14:09 Chapter 10: Creating Safety and Security in Marriage. Discussing the importance of creating mental, spiritual, and emotional safety in marriage, overcoming cultural barriers to open communication, and building trust.
• 16:36 Chapter 11: Focus on the Family's Global Impact. Highlighting Focus on the Family's global reach, its impact in diverse cultural contexts, and its commitment to promoting healthy families worldwide.
• 19:43 Chapter 12: Conclusion and Encouragement. Final thoughts from Dr. Bob Paul, emphasizing the importance of love and support in marriage, debunking misconceptions about Christian organizations, and encouraging listeners to seek help when needed.