Help for Marriages
Whether you are struggling with conflict, experiencing infertility, seeking support through a pregnancy, or coping with the loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or separation, below are some resources that may help.
For marriages in conflict
For Your Marriage
For Your Marriage is a web resource prepared by the USCCB to support couples in various stages of their relationship - from dating, to engagement, marriage, parenthood, and beyond. There is a special page for couples who are looking for support in overcoming adversity.
Marriage Trac
MarriageTrac is a presence on the internet viewed by a million couples annually who are looking for anonymous, high-quality, faith-based marriage help at zero cost to them. It's a “marriage hub” with expert articles, author interviews, devotionals, and marriage-building resources.
The Top 7 Ways to Improve Your Marriage
The Gottman Institute is an organization that offers research-based resources for marriages and families. While not explicitly Christian, this blog post offers practical communication strategies that can be helpful for couples of all backgrounds, and demonstrates ways for us to follow the instructions of Jesus in our marriage.
Retrouvaille
Retrouvaille is for couples struggling in their marriages, even those considering divorce. No matter the source of the hurt, couples can find healing with Retrouvaille. Through a weekend experience plus six follow-up sessions, couples learn to communicate once again, to reconnect with and rediscover each other.
For confidential information about Retrouvaille Seattle, call (206) 706-2608 or visit the Retrouvaille Seattle website.
Crown Financial Ministries
Crown exists to help individuals, families, and churches live in financial freedom as a direct result of heart transformation. They offer a wide variety of free tools to help families who are working to get out of debt, live on a budget, save for the future, invest, and truly exercise stewardship over their financial resources.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University
Money is the number one stressor for marriages. Whether it is budgeting, debt, or funding an unexpected cost, finances can be a harrowing and dividing experience for couples. If your family needs help, Financial Peace University can be a tool to use to take control of your finances. Some parishes offer courses, and classes are offered both in-person or online.
Affair Recovery
Affair Recovery is a faith-based online support community for spouses dealing with the devastation of infidelity. There is an online 13-week course offered and weekend retreats to help couples heal.
The Archdiocese of Seattle does not have a list of recommended counselors. However, there are networks of marriage therapists that seek to provide help and support for marriages. Below is a list of some independent organizations that have compiled lists of marriage and family therapists. This does not constitute a referral or endorsement of any therapists or counselors listed.
Please exercise your prudential judgment in selecting a counselor and check with your insurance to determine if they will cover these services.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
The AAMFT is a professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. They have a very large database of licensed therapists around the country.
Focus On the Family Counseling services
Focus on the Family provides resources to help families thrive. They also offer a one-time, complimentary consultation from a Christian counselor via phone.
Samaritan Center of Puget Sound
Samaritan is a local mental health service. Their head office is based in Seattle, but they also have locations in Shoreline, Bellevue, and South King County. They also offer teletherapy for those who are unable to come for in person appointments. They provide counseling, education, consultation, mediation and other services for individuals, families, congregations and organizations.
The Gottman Institute Referral Network
Members of the Gottman Referral Network (GRN) have received training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an approach based on 40 years of research with thousands of couples. GRN therapists are equipped to provide support to couples, individuals, children and/or families on many issues in addition to couples therapy, including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, abuse, blended family issues, and more. Therapists listed in the GRN network are licensed mental health professionals who work independently from their own private practice offices.
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Below are some excerpts from the Frequently Asked Questions sheet provided by the Tribunal. Please know that the annulment process is nuanced and can vary from case to case.
For detailed information on marriage and tribunal processes, please call the Tribunal at (206) 382-4830 or 1-800-950-4926, or download these FAQs.
How does a couple begin the process of seeking an annulment?
Generally speaking, a person starts by contacting a parish priest or another designated pastoral minister who has been trained as an advocate for marriage cases.
How long does the process take?
There are so many variable factors involved that it is impossible to predict the length of time a particular case may take. In many dioceses, under ideal circumstances, a formal case typically takes between a year and 18 months after receipt of the petition and other materials. A case can move along more rapidly if all documents are presented as requested and if the parties and witnesses reply in a timely and informative fashion. However, the time involved also depends on the number of cases submitted and the availability of Tribunal personnel, and in the briefer formal case process the availability of the Archbishop.
How do I locate an Advocate?
In the Archdiocese of Seattle, most Catholic parishes have persons trained as Advocates for marriage cases. They are appointed to assist those who are involved in marriage cases. Please contact your local parish or a parish near you to arrange an appointment with a certified Advocate. If you are not resident in the Archdiocese of Seattle, please contact the Seattle Tribunal for assistance.
Support for Families PREPARES Pregnancy & Parenting Support
PREPARES is a program of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, with a mission of supporting pregnant and parenting women, men, and families, who find themselves lacking a healthy support network.
Infertility and pregnancy loss
If you have suffered a pregnancy loss or are struggling with infertility, we are deeply sorry for the pain and grief you are experiencing. We hope the following resources and information will help with the various aspects of your loss. For more resources or support, please call our office at (206)-654-4644.
Springs in the Desert
Springs in the Desert accompanies those struggling with infertility by offering a place of respite and solidarity where they can know God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness. Springs in the Desert forms our community with unique offerings for women, men and couples, meeting them wherever they are on the path of infertility. Through these encounters, we make space for deeper renewal in our relationships with ourselves, our spouses, and God.
NaPro Technology
Through the Creighton Model Fertility care system, NaPro Technology can be used to help couples find the cause behind infertility. You can find a NaPro Technology provider in our NFP teachers section.
For Your Marriage - Infertility Resources
For Your Marriage is an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a resource for couples in all stages of marriage, from discernment to engagement, parenthood to retirement years. Their Infertility Resources page offers helpful information for couples who are experiencing infertility.
The Infertility Companion for Catholics (Ave Maria Press)
From the publisher's website: "The Infertility Companion for Catholics presents a variety of spiritual resources including prayers, devotions, and the wisdom of the saints and provides suggestions for further reading of reference materials, Catholic documents, and Catholic blogs about infertility." To purchase on Amazon, click here.
Our Lady of Consolation- Infertility and Miscarriage Support
The Our Lady is Consolation Infertility & Miscarriage Support Group was started in 2016 to facilitate and foster local Catholic support for those who have experienced infertility or miscarriage. Their aim is to help build local connections between people carrying similar crosses. Admission into the group is by approval only, but reflections and resources can be found on their group website.
Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry offers hope, help and healing related to the joys, challenges, and sorrows of relationships, sexuality and childbearing. They offer a number of programs that support couples in various stages of the journey.
Grief Support Ministry
The Office of Pastoral Ministries at the Archdiocese of Seattle has a number of grief support resources including other local groups.
"Grieving Together: A Couple's Journey through Miscarriage"
Grieving Together: A Couple's Journey through Miscarriage is powerful book detailing the story of Laura and Franco Fanucci, who struggled with infertility, miscarriage and infant loss. They are here to tell you that you are not alone.
Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry offers hope, help and healing related to the joys, challenges, and sorrows of relationships, sexuality and childbearing. They offer a number of programs that support couples in various stages of the journey.
A Mom's Peace
A Mom's Peace is a lay apostolate for mothers of miscarried and stillborn souls. They are a non-profit that supports families with bereavement, burial and rememberance assistance.
Our Lady of Consolation —Infertility and Miscarriage Support
The Our Lady of Consolation Infertility & Miscarriage Support Group was started in 2016 to facilitate and foster local Catholic support for those who have experienced infertility or miscarriage. Their aim is to help build local connections between people carrying similar crosses. Admission into the group is by approval only, but reflections and resources can be found on their group website.
Catholic Miscarriage Support
Catholic Marriage Support offers practical and spiritual support for Catholics who have lost a child to miscarriage, including many resources to help cope with the emotional, physical and spiritual pain of losing a child.
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Share is an online support community for anyone who has been impacted by the loss of a baby. They serve parents, grandparents, siblings and others in the family unit.
Project Rachel - Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Are you searching for forgiveness and peace?
Whether it’s been one year or 20 years, you need time to grieve your loss and reflect on your feelings of sorrow and regret. Project Rachel is here to help do that in a supportive and confidential environment. Click here to learn more.
More from the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) on Rachel Project Ministry
If you have suffered a pregnancy loss, Associated Catholic Cemeteries is here to help you bury your child in a way that affirms the dignity of all human life. Please use their Available Properties page to find the location nearest you, and feel free to contact them directly.
Divorce and Grief Support
Below is a list of resources to support couples and families impacted by divorce or the loss of a spouse.
Beginning Experience — Listen. Accompany. Heal.
Are you struggling with the loss of your spouse from death, divorce or separation?
Loss affects everyone differently and learning to live again is challenging. As a faith-based organization, Beginning Experience offers men and women the opportunity to cope with the pain of loss and to move into the future with renewed hope.
If you or someone you know is dealing with loss and want help healing, please consider attending a Beginning Experience weekend retreat. Through targeted writing and support in small group discussions you can expedite your healing process. This process has been working since 1974. Visit their website to learn more.
Divorce and Beyond: Divorce support group
St. Louise Parish, Bellevue
Are you trying to get past the pain of divorce? Are you feeling “stuck” in pain and hurt? St. Louise Catholic Church is thrilled to be offering Divorce & Beyond, a 10-week Christian based program of healing and recovery from divorce.
Interested? Please contact David Gehrig at (425) 214-5466 or visit their website.
Surviving Divorce: Hope and Healing for the Catholic Family
This is a 12-week parish group program to help Catholics navigate the rough waters of divorce and separation. Visit their website to learn more about their program and to see their or to browse their list of helpful resources.
Divorced Catholic
A Catholic divorce help program that helps individuals recover and restore peace. This program can be done individually or at the parish. Visit their website to learn more about their program.
Archdiocese of Seattle Grief Support Ministry
The office of Pastoral Ministries at the Archdiocese of Seattle has a number of grief support resources including other local groups. Visit their webpage to learn more.