This book is the most comprehensive marriage book I have read to-date. Combining Scripture, clinical theories, and practical tools, Matt has created a beautiful resource to equip and help not only couples, but also assist those who work with couples in both lay and professional settings. The book is filled with a plethora of insightful questions, constructive ideas, easy-to-read charts, and meaningful activities that allow a couple to explore the roots of their problems, while simultaneously identifying ways they can address those problems and start bearing healthier fruit in their lives and in their marriage.
With concise chapters and language that is easy to understand, this resource does a wonderful job of providing a couple with ‘mini-therapeutic sessions’ that can be done in the confines of their home, over a cup of coffee, or in a therapist’s office. This is my go-to marriage resource that allows me to not only quickly and easily find specific chapters and content that I can incorporate into my sessions, but it also serves as a great, clinical resource when thinking through treatment plans and case conceptualization.
Though this resource has been most helpful to me in the context of counseling couples, I have found the material easily-adaptable in also working with individuals who struggle with identity and relational issues, specifically with those who struggle to understand how their family of origin has affected the ways they struggle with healthy attachments in relationships. Every Christian therapist, lay counselor, and pastor would benefit from a copy of this book on their shelf.
Jessica Buczek MS, LPC
There are three things that really make this book welcoming to me.
- It’s very clearly outlined. I like to know what’s coming and you really do a great job of letting the reader know what to expect and when to expect it.
- Visually, it is broken up quite nicely. Graphics, quotes, bullets, etc. I find self-help books that read and appear like a novel to be quite daunting as, for me, they don’t read and flow like a novel and don’t keep my attention. You have kept my attention!
- I am amazed at how often I can glean truth about my own life through your words. And not just my life, but my friends lives! It’s very quotable as well which I love! I’ve already noted several areas that I’d like specifically to point out to my friends, such as God opening and closing doors to encourage purposeful growth. Growth is surely important but so often we are complacent in our lives that we fail to move forward. Your book is growth in and of itself, much like the tree that bears fruit when tended to. I’m quite certain there will be apples by the end! I have found your words to be quite calming and encouraging.
— A Reader
Kendra’s Review: goodreads.com/review/show/1220585356
Reader’s Favorite Reviews: readersfavorite.com/book-review/marriage-from-roots-to-fruits
Amazon Reviews: amazon.com/Marriage-Roots-Fruits-Understanding-Growing/product-reviews