Lisa shares how the Premarital Counseling Workbook was developed.
I decided to interview Lisa Brookes Kift, a Marriage and Family Therapist located in Marin, CA. She has a series of e-books called the Therapy-At-Home Workbooks® helping couples improve their relationships. One of her books really caught my eye, it was her Premarital Counseling Workbook helping couples create a solid foundation before they tie the knot.
Lisa’s books are great for those who aren’t ready to step in to the therapy office or for those who would prefer to make the steps on their own. She continues to show growth as a therapist and as a relationship expert. Below is the interview.
What inspired you to write your books? What is the unique story behind them?
Lisa Kift was originally inspired to create her Therapy-At-Home Workbooks® line by the positive feedback and hunger for relationship information generated from her counseling site, The Toolbox at LisaKiftTherapy.com. “It was clear that people from all over the world were curious about emotional and relationship health. I also learned that many are interested in alternatives to counseling when it comes to self-improvement. I decided to create a workbook to help couples create the strongest relationship possible. Thus my first workbook, The Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples was born. This particular workbook was modeled after my premarital counseling program in my own therapy practice. I chose the e-book format because it fit my model well, and that couples could download and print out their workbooks. It allows the couples to do the worksheets individually and then come together to discuss. It also allows me to deliver the workbooks instantly and worldwide.”
“I followed up with The Marriage Refresher Course Workbook for Couples. This e-book has a lot of the same information as the other but is tailored to couples who are already married. I also provide some guidance on an number of common issues that have come up in my own couples counseling practice.”
What is your goal for your readers?
“My goal is that couples learn the core elements of strong, happy and connected relationships. I plan to expand to workbooks for individuals and with that my goal is to provide people the tools to take charge of their own emotional health. It’s also important for readers to know that these workbooks are not the answer for everyone and they are not a replacement for counseling. Those struggling with high levels of distress, hostility and disconnection may be better suited for traditional counseling.”
What type of theoretical orientation/style/technique do you come from or provide?
“My therapy style is eclectic and thus is my writing content. I borrow from a number of theoretical belief systems including attachment theory, imago theory, family of origin belief systems and conditioning and more recently, what neuroscience can teach us about how our brains get wired – and how they can be re-wired.”
Do you have any other books? What is the next book you’re working on?
“I have two workbooks so far, The Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples and The Marriage Refresher Course Workbook for Couples. I have started to write a third for individuals on the topic of emotional health.”
Where do you practice?
“I have a private practice working with individuals and couples in Marin County, CA.” – http://www.marintherapyandcounseling.com.
Is there anything else that you want people to know about?
“I believe emotional and relationship health are intimately intertwined. I also subscribe to the notion that both require work but with effort, people can thrive. I enjoy providing tools to assist with this, either in my private practice, Therapy-At-Home Workbooks® line or other writings found in my site, The Toolbox at LoveAndLifeToolbox.com.”
Lisa’s Marriage Refresher Course Workbook and Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples are both currently on sale. You can click on the links below to purchase a book or simply check out Lisa’s e-books.
The Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples
The Marriage Refresher Course Workbook for Couples
Some good stuff here – Thanks for taking the time to share.