The Couple Skills Workbook by Betsy Chung, PsyD, is a comprehensive and hands-on guide for couples looking to improve their emotional connection, communication, and conflict resolution skills. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Chung brings her expertise in couples therapy to this workbook, providing practical exercises and insights that are easy to apply in real life. The book addresses common relationship challenges, such as miscommunication, emotional disconnection, and recurring arguments, offering couples the tools to rebuild trust, intimacy, and understanding.

What Stands Out:
One of the most powerful aspects of this workbook is its interactive nature. Instead of simply discussing relationship theories, Dr. Chung provides exercises that couples can work through together, fostering deeper emotional awareness and better communication. The book is structured around four key areas: trust, communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intimacy. Each section includes activities that help couples not only identify issues but also actively work toward solutions.

Chung emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and empathy. By encouraging couples to understand both their own needs and their partner’s emotional experiences, the workbook promotes a deeper connection built on mutual respect and compassion. One of the standout features of this guide is its focus on building emotional intelligence, which is key to long-term relationship success.

Practical and Inclusive:
Dr. Chung’s approach is refreshingly practical. She helps couples tackle everyday issues like communication breakdowns, trust erosion, and unresolved conflicts, offering clear steps to resolve them. Her focus on fostering healthy communication skills—such as active listening, empathy, and assertiveness—is particularly helpful for those who struggle to express their needs or navigate disagreements without escalating tensions.

This workbook is also inclusive, making it adaptable for couples at various stages in their relationships, whether they’ve been together for decades or are newly committed. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like emotional vulnerability, which many couples find hard to address, and instead offers a supportive framework for these conversations.

A Few Considerations:
While the exercises are immensely useful, some couples may find the workbook’s structured approach a bit clinical. This isn't a light, casual read—it’s a workbook designed for couples who are serious about putting in the effort to improve their relationship. As such, it may require both partners to be equally invested in completing the exercises, which could be a challenge if one partner is less motivated to engage with the process.

Additionally, while Dr. Chung does an excellent job of creating an inclusive environment, the book may not resonate as strongly with couples dealing with more complex relational dynamics, such as trauma or deep-seated trust issues, without additional therapeutic support.

Final Thoughts:
The Couple Skills Workbook is an invaluable resource for couples seeking practical tools to strengthen their relationship. With its clear, step-by-step approach and focus on emotional awareness, it provides couples with a roadmap for building a more resilient and loving partnership. Dr. Chung’s insights on empathy, communication, and conflict resolution are not only effective but also empowering, encouraging couples to take an active role in improving their relationship. Whether you're just beginning your journey together or looking to reignite the connection in a long-term relationship, this workbook is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this workbook in exchange for an honest review.

Brand	N/A
Rating	4.6 (6 ratings)
Price	$20.35
Category	Self-Help

The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust and Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship (New Harbinger Self-help Workbooks)