Self-Help Resources

Relationship information is organized here, with links to additional resources. Individuals receiving treatment for relationship problems may also be struggling with depression, substance abuse, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or any number of other physical and/or mental health conditions. You may find the self-help information located under other behavioral health categories on this web site to be helpful. Many people experience relationship problems during a deployment, so check out the resources posted here if you or a loved one is experiencing relationship difficulties.

Fact Sheets and Handouts

Romantic Relationships and Marriage

In Love and Deployed: Making the Marriage Decision
Deciding to get married is one of the most important decisions a couple will make together. Before making the decision to get married, take an honest look at yourselves alone and as a couple and talk together about how you see your future.

Gottman's Marriage Tips 101
Learn from an expert how to keep your marriage strong.

Nine Psychological Tasks for a Good Marriage
Nine brief tips for improving your marriage.

Intimacy

Partners of Veterans with PTSD: Caregiver Burden and Related Problems

Family Matters

A Guide for Families of Wounded Soldiers

Making Stepfamilies Work
Useful tips for blended families.

Taking Charge in Changing Times: Improving Family Communication
Learn how to listen and communicate with your family.

The Challenge of Divorce
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Domestic Violence Toward Women: Recognize the Patterns and Seek Help
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, economic status, race and educational background. Find out how to recognize an abusive relationship and what resources are available.

Let's Talk Facts About Domestic Violence
Learn about domestic violence and what to do about it.

Other Relationships

Managing Your Boss
Commonly asked questions and answers to help you deal with your boss.

Getting along with your supervisor: When styles collide
Getting along with your supervisor will make work more pleasant and lower your stress level. Find out why mutual respect is essential.

General Relationship Skills

Emotional Validation
Learn how validation can benefit your relationships.

Improving Assertive Behavior
Learn how to be more assertive in your life.

Interpersonal Effectiveness
This is a collection of handouts to help you be effective in interpersonal situations. These were developed specifically for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, but are applicable for general interpersonal problems.

Videos & Audio Tips

Domestic Violence Hurts the Whole Family
This brief video discussed the impact that domestic violence has on everyone.

Books & Workbooks

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
J. Gottman & N. Silver

The Relationship Cure: A Five-Step Guide for Building Better Communications with Family, Friends, and Lovers
J. Gottman & J. DeClaire

The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide To Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, And Friendships
J. Gottman & J. DeClaire

Reconcilable Differences
A. Christensen & N. S. Jacobson

Bibliotherapy Resource Guide
Department of Veterans Affairs

Web Resources

Military OneSource
This site offers a number of resources. Use the "Search" too to locate resources on a variety of topics.

Medline Domestic Violence Information
A series of handouts and web links to help people understand domestic violence and know when to seek help.

Medline Divorce Information
A series of handouts and links about coping with divorce.

Veteran and Military Family Health
U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health

Real Warriors Campaign
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury