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Russ & Danielle West | Marriage Mentoring

@intentionalmarriages

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▹ Communicate better & feel close again
▹ Simple tools for stronger marriages
↓ Free relationship check-in (how are you REALLY?)

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While researching audio-visual material as examples of conflict resolution for some of my clients who learn better visually, I found there to be a surprising dearth of content available publicly that was targeted at the end client and not on therapists-in-training. However, I did find this video by Danielle and Russ West of Intentional Marriages, which I found to be excellent at demonstrating the practical approach that I use in an accessible format.

I acknowledge that this is framed from a Christian perspective, which may not be congruent with every client's beliefs, but notwithstanding that, the demonstration is effective. If you wish, you can skip to time point 8 minutes and 11 seconds, which provides some context that segues to an example.

https://youtu.be/qPtNmUF3j0g?si=7XPmAE_6BpbNoNxY

#mentalhealth #melbourne #australia #counsellor #health #therapist #therapy #psychotherapy #psychotherapist #psychology #marriage #relationships #conflictresolution #conflict #instagram #instagood

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In this episode of The Outpost Podcast, we explore how emotional intelligence transforms marriage. Russ West shares why emotional safety, humility, and self-awareness are essential for healthy relationships, and how past wounds often shape present conflict. Because stronger marriages begin when we stop trying to change our spouse and start examining our own heart.

Watch and listen to EP113 of The Outpost Podcast anywhere you stream your podcasts.

Link in bio.

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In this episode of The Outpost Podcast, we sit down with Russ West to explore the story that launched his journey into emotional intelligence. Russ shares the moment at 34 years old when his marriage was falling apart, how counseling exposed blind spots he never knew existed, and why understanding emotional intelligence transformed every area of his life. We discuss the hidden wound of inadequacy that many men carry, why men often overreact when their capability or integrity is questioned, and how fear, insecurity, and the need for validation quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and leadership. This conversation is an honest look at the inner world of men and the work required to become more self-aware, emotionally mature, and Christlike. Because real growth begins when a man stops blaming his circumstances and starts taking ownership of what’s happening beneath the surface.

Link in bio

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Remember grief only came to you because love came first❤️

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It’s hard to believe Round 3 of A Book In A Weekend is over! Now our year long journey of writing your books begins!

What a great group of authors showed up for training & to pitch their book idea to our publishers Shark Tank. Thanks Russ, Danielle, Cathi, Julio, Katy, Brad, Skot, David, Melissa and Pam and all the Sharks for making this weekend memorable! Love you all.

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Enthusiastic. Exciting. Challenging.
A community event that pushes you to be stronger & we are stronger together.
That’s why we sign up for the Open.
Join the fun and sign up! 💪🏼

link is in Bio!!! @crossfitgames #cfopen2026

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Take 30 seconds.
Seriously.
Your marriage deserves that much.

Text it or say it face-to-face (no matter what time of day or night).

• “I love when you ___.” Fill in that blank and deliver it.
• Thank them for one tiny thing they did this week.
• Compliment something about their personality or strength.
• Share a favorite memory you still think about.
• Ask: “What would make tonight feel good for you?”
• Give a genuine smile and a long hug. Count to 5.

Marriage gets better through moments like these, not complicated plans.

If you want more tiny ways to connect like real humans, follow along @intentionalmarriages. We’re building stronger marriages here. 🤍

#marriagecounseling #marriagetips #intentionalmarriages

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Let’s fix that ⬇️

Most couples really do spend less than 15 minutes a day actually talking.

And let’s be honest… it’s usually about schedules, bills, or who’s picking up dinner.

No wonder so many of us feel a little disconnected.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a weekend getaway or a five-hour heart-to-heart to feel close again.

You just need a FEW intentional minutes a day.

Think you can beat that tonight?

(Yes, you can!)

We made it SO simple inside the Everyday Marriage App. You can just open the app and turn ordinary moments into actual connection again.

You’ll find 100 conversation starters inside like:
💬 “What’s something small I did this week that made you smile?”
😂 “If our life were a sitcom, what would this season be called?”
🌙 “What do you miss about the early days of us?”

(P.S. You can use these right NOW!)

Because connection doesn’t have to be complicated.
And stronger marriages aren’t built in hours…
They’re built in intentional minutes. ❤️

If that sounds like something you could use, follow us here @intentionalmarriages and check out the Everyday Marriage App.. it’s full of super simple ways to reconnect again (so you can talk longer than 15 minutes today).

#marriagecounseling #conversationstarters #intentionalmarrriages

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Ever had a ten reaction to a two situation in your marriage? 😅🙋🏻‍♀️

I think we’ve all been there… those moments when something small turns into something waaaay bigger.

When your spouse’s emotions spike, they’re usually not trying to be extra difficult… they’re just flooded.

Their body’s in fight, flight, or freeze mode.

That’s not the time to reason or defend your side… it’s the time to breathe, step back, and come back later to listen and reconnect.

Once things cool down, try to REALLY listen, validate what they’re feeling, and own at least 2% of your stuff.

Even that small bit of ownership can change everything… it breaks down walls, rebuilds trust, and helps you move from reacting to reconnecting.

Sometimes it’s not about fixing everything… it’s about checking in and learning healthy ways to communicate and fight “fair” before the distance gets bigger and things spiral out of control.

We have a completely free “How Are We Really Doing?” marriage checkup so you can see how things are going right NOW. It’s a super simple, honest way to see where your relationship really is and what could use a little extra work.

💬 Comment or DM “QUIZ” and we’ll send you the short relationship check-in for free.

It only takes a minute or two… but it can help open up conversations that matter. ❤️

#conflictresolution #marriagecounselling #intentionalmarriages

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Ever planned a date night, finally got out of the house… and still ended up talking about the kids, work, or the to-do list waiting at home?

Yeah, same. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Sometimes it’s not about making time, it’s about knowing what to do with it once you finally have it.

That’s one of the reasons why we’ve been building something new (for real marriages, in the middle of real life.)

It’s called the Everyday Marriage App, and it’s full of super simple, practical ways to help you feel closer again (and you can use it any time, anywhere day or night).

Things like:
💬 Easy ways to start better conversations
🛠️ A “repair” framework to help you work through conflict without shutting down
💡 Creative date night ideas (like these!) that fit your actual life and budget
🤝 A community where you can find encouragement and real conversations that remind you you’re not alone

It officially launches October 15 & it’s designed for those small, everyday moments that matter WAY more than we realize.

Because connection shouldn’t feel complicated.
It should feel possible.

➡️ Follow @intentionalmarriages for more simple, real ways to stay connected (even in the middle of everyday life.)

#marriagehelp #marriagecounseling #datenightideas #intentionalmarriages

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Most marriages don’t fall apart overnight. They drift (slowly) when connection and communication fade.

It’s not the big trips or perfect date nights that keep intimacy alive.

It’s the small, intentional, simple actions that remind your spouse: “I see you. I choose you.”

One simple rhythm that can breathe a little life into your relationship is to ask your spouse:

👉 “What’s one thing I can do this week to make you feel loved?”

Set your phone down and go do it right now. Set a reminder in your phone and do it next week too.

It’s not a magic wand. But those small acts of love, thoughtfulness and intentional marriage moments build the kind of relationship that lasts.

The kind that says, “I see you" in between work calls and kid pickup lines.

#marriagementor #marriagetips #marriagetherapy #intentionalmarriages

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Went to a marriage conference. Came back with a mug and lots of connection with my husband. I love my new mug and am showing it to clients daily. If you’re curious, check out @intentionalmarriages I’m loving the reminders on the mugs!

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