Relationship Mentoring

The Relationship Enhancement® Model (R.E.)

The Reality Thinking Model

As marital divorce rates continue to increase and relationships often struggle, a new paradigm has developed within our culture that couples are subscribing to. We call this the “We’ll see what happens” mindset, which often develops as couples enter into relationships. Although studies show that men are happier when in a good relationship, the reality is that around 35-40% of first marriages result in divorce, with the first 2 to 3 years being the most critical. Recent studies have revealed that as many as 60-65% of second marriages end in divorce.

Relationship Mentoring is becoming more and more popular as couples seek to improve the quality of their relational experience. Couples are often bewildered and frustrated as they attempt to communicate and resolve issues with one another. There are a wide variety of modalities used in working with couples, and they vary, depending on the consultant and his/her training. When couples choose a mentor or couples consultant to guide them through their maze of challenges or to enhance the quality of their relationship, it is important to choose someone that has a background in relationship training and can “Walk the Walk” and not just “Talk the Talk.”

Relationship Enhancement® (R.E.) is a skill based, educational model that brings forth respect, integrity and cooperation relationally. It is a model that understands the relationship to be an entity within itself and is greater than just the two individuals participating in the relationship. R.E. focuses on empathy (the art of listening deeply and fully), effective expression (the art of articulating your perspective and truth as a way to invite dialog and effective problem solving), enhancing relationships through focusing on existing strengths, as well as other techniques that allow couples to talk openly and honestly, allowing for authentic connection.

The R.E. model was developed by Doctors Bernard and Louise Guerney in the 1970s. Bob Sugar, LPC, CRET, President of Trans-World Dynamics, has over 10 years of experience with the Relationship Enhancement® model and is fully certified. In addition, Bob is well versed in theory and studies that have been done with couples, giving him further understanding of what creates successful relationships. He has worked with thousands of couples and has conducted numerous R.E. retreats and workshops. He has been married for over 19 years, is currently raising a teenage daughter, and understands firsthand the challenges that come with relationships. To equal measure, he understands the benefits and rewards that come through the use of skills and tools within his own marriage.

As a relationship mentor, Brad Stevenson, Chief Operations Officer of Trans-World Dynamics, has had extensive training in understanding environmental compatibilities that promote boundaries, giving couples greater potential to connect and enjoy their time at home together. Brad’s “Reality Thinking” model helps couples work as a team, allowing for greater joy and happiness in their relationships. Brad is also married and raising two children of his own. He, too understands first hand the challenges that come with relationships and raising a family. As well, Brad has experienced many benefits and enhancing experiences in his marriage.

The combined expertise of Bob and Brad’s relationship mentoring experiences offer couples a rich blend of solid, user friendly tools to put to use in their relationships. “Since we each bring our own areas of specialization, working as a team contributes a wider range of options and perspective to couples. Our model is built on principles, behavioral practices and environmental compatibilities. The infusion of compassion and kindness that we share with couples makes this work very rewarding for us as well as those whose lives we touch.”

1. Couples that have trouble communicating.
2. Couples that find they are fighting over and over again about the same topics.
3. Couples who have difficulty regulating anxiety and anger levels in their conversations.
4. Couples that have stopped attempting to talk meaningfully, openly and honestly.
5. Couples who feel like they’re never really heard.
6. Couples who feel like their topics of conversation digress into fights and the topic doesn’t get resolved.
7. Couples who want to enhance their relationships and feel empowered to problem solve.
8. Couples who enjoy learning new techniques and skills and want additional tools to work with.
9. Couples who enjoy their relationships already and want to “charge their batteries.”
10. Couples preparing for marriage.

Individual couples sessions: With Bob Sugar, LPC, CRET and Brad Stevenson, MBA, CPEI.

Couples workshops: A three-day retreat and workshop for couples. This powerful program brings couples together from all walks of life and creates new friendships, shared experiences, wonderful fellowship and an abundance of closely mentored and supervised experiential relationship exercises.

Please feel free to contact Bob or Brad at Trans-World Dynamics, LLC and they will answer any questions you have. If you desire, they will arrange a time to meet with you as a couple for a free one-hour evaluation and assessment.