When you consider all the issues that affect relationships (trust, money problems, household responsibilities, parenting, sexual and emotional intimacy, change, boredom, family), it's a wonder that anyone stays married. We all have relationship problems, say psychologist Griffin and sociologist Schwartz. What makes the difference is the willingness of the partners to work on communication skills, childhood baggage, and attachment styles to preserve their union. Identifying 11 basic relationship concerns (one per chapter), the authors begin with ground rules and then offer case studies from three couples: one needing minor tweaks (a relationship vitamin), one struggling (relationship medicine), and one nearly fatal (relationship CPR), to suggest possible solutions to their conflicts. Detailed exercises similar to those used in counseling sessions, including role playing, journaling, and structured discussions, are described, and the two doctors demonstrate how these strategies improve the couples' outcomes. The goal here is to head off problems before they reach the CPR stage, when counseling will be necessary. Readers experiencing these problems will be reassured and guided by Griffin's and Schwartz's practical suggestions.

Booklist

This book authored by two outstanding experts offers hope and practical help for couples dealing with troubled relationships and trying to find authentic and meaningful intimacy. A useful guide for anyone searching for answers and a great companion to the work of a couple's therapist.

Eli Coleman, professor emeritus, Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, University of Minnesota Medical School

Need a good relationship Rx? Here's your ticket to a longer, richer and deeper partnership. Griffen and Schwartz have given us a pile of wise and original ideas on how to build and keep life's greatest prize-a happy partnership.

Helen Fisher, PhD, lead advisor for chemistry.com, scientific advisor for Match.com, author of The Anatomy of Love

This is an amazing book, wise and extremely useful. It is a must read for anyone who wants to have emotionally satisfying relationships. Buy this book! It will change your life.

John Gottman, PhD, marriage researcher, founder of the Gottman Institute, author of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Dr. Pepper and Dr. Jessica have made an outstanding contribution to relationship health in this book. Relationship Rx is a beautiful blend of head and heart. They have managed to provide a respectable amount of scientific data and yet have given the reader fun and digestible ways of finding practical solutions to serious relationship issues. Whether discovering your own relationship attachment style or treading the murky waters of parenting, they have given actionable steps to find hope. Their narratives of couple conflicts and resolutions will prove an unquestionable benefit to anyone who is serious about finding help with any relationship they are experiencing.

Cal Roberson, TV relationship expert (Married at First Sight), author of Marriage Ain't for Punks

Relationships - even the most excellent ones - are often messy with maladies, and Relationship RX provides practical, proven, and insightful support from renowned specialists Griffin and Schwartz to help couples live enriched lives together through thick and thin. Based on real world common couple challenges, this book provides use-it-today guidance to help relationships in all stages of development be more fulfilling, sustainable, and alive. It is a resource I recommend to all my patients who are looking to improve intimacy and connection in their relationship."

Serena McKenzie, ND, IF, NCMP, founder of Whole Life Medicine, specialist in sexual medicine