COUPLES seeking to strengthen their relationships received practical guidance and fresh encouragement on Saturday, April 25, during the successful staging of the Just for Us Marriage Seminar. The seminar was presented by Rev Christopher Brodber of The Counsellor’s Couch.

The seminar brought together married and engaged couples for frank discussions on some of the most important issues affecting the home. The event focused on three key areas that often determine the health and longevity of a marriage — sex, communication and finance.

Leading the presentations were pastor and counsellor Rev Brodber, and lecturer and counsellor Yolada Lee, both of whom delivered candid, insightful and practical sessions aimed at helping couples build stronger unions.

In addressing the topic of sex, Brodber noted that playfulness, planning and prayer play important roles in effective intimacy. It was emphasised that a “merriment-mindset” is scriptural and scientific, and it offers life-changing benefits. Couples were encouraged to build their relationships on the foundation of intentional spontaneous and scheduled activity. They were reminded of the spiritual nature of sexual intimacy and the power and benefit of seeing intimacy and marriage as sacred.

The seminar’s session on communication highlighted the need for honest dialogue, active listening and respectful conflict resolution. Participants were reminded that poor communication often lies at the root of misunderstanding and prolonged tension in relationships. Lee shared strategies to help couples express concerns more effectively and improve emotional connection. The Gottman Institute’s “Four Horsemen” was shared, stating that criticism, stonewalling, contempt and defensiveness are to be avoided.

Attention was also given to finance, another common source of strain in marriage. During that segment, couples were urged to practice financial transparency, to avoid “financial infidelity”. They were encouraged to establish shared goals and work together in budgeting and decision-making. Brodber, who is the advice columnist for the Jamaica Observer’s All Woman publication, stressed that successful money management requires partnership, planning, and prioritising. He encouraged the couples to be partners and to know the roles they play in the “business” of the family.

Throughout the day, couples participated in interactive discussions and private reflection exercises designed to help them assess the strengths and challenges within their own relationships. They received several gift items from supporting sponsors.

The one-day seminar was supported by Bailey’s, Caledonia Outdoor Advertising, VM Building Society, Barita Investments, Lily’s Beauty Bar, HiPro, Adam & Eve, Subway, and Hope Fellowship Church.

Many attendees described the seminar as timely and beneficial, noting that the information shared was practical and directly applicable to everyday married life.

Organisers said the objective of “Just for Us” was to provide couples with realistic tools to navigate challenges and to reinforce the importance of intentional effort in building lasting marriages. The couples were told frequently that “The rest of your life can be the best of your life”, and “Happily ever after only happens one day at a time”.

By the end of the seminar, participants left with renewed perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the work required to maintain healthy relationships.

The event was widely regarded as a success, with organisers expressing confidence that the lessons shared will have a lasting impact on the couples who attended. Those needing further assistance were encouraged to contact The Counsellor’s Couch.

Rev Chris Brodber (left), pastor, counsellor & columnist, speaks to (from left) couple Reneil and Jhunelle Wong and counsellor & lecturer Yolanda Lee (right) at the Counsellor’s Couch Just For Us marriage seminar at Hope Auditorium in Kingston on Saturday, April 25. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Yolanda Lee, counsellor & lecturer, speaks on communication at the seminar. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Couples participate at the Just For Us marriage seminar at Hope Auditorium in Kingston on Saturday, April 25,2026 (Photo: Naphtali Junior)