The Marriage Makeover Finding Happiness in Imperfect Harmony

Joshua Coleman is a compassionate psychologist who none-theless isn't afraid to tell the truth: Not all marriages can be joyful or even meaningful, but that isn't cause for divorce, especially when children are involved. In his groundbreaking work, Dr. Coleman teaches readers how to: - Reduce out-of-control conflict in the home - Let go of the fairy-tale marriage ideal - Accept changes in their partner - Maintain domestic peace in times of crisis.

A leading expert on marriage and relationships, Dr. Coleman's advice has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, Parenting Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Psychology Today, and many others. Dr. Coleman has served on the clinical faculties of The University of California at San Francisco/Mount Zion Hospital Medical Center and the Wright Institute Graduate School. He has been a frequent contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle and currently writes a column for Twins Magazine. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Psychologist Joshua Coleman has the power to single-handedly slow the rate of divorce."
- The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"This is a radical book. It challenges some of the most dearly held American beliefs about marriage and long-term relationships...And it offers the astounding idea that having a marriage characterized by such 'imperfect harmony' can be part of a satisfying, happy life."
- from the foreword by Julia M. Lewis, Ph.D. Co-author with Judith Wallerstein, Ph.D. and Sandra Blakeslee, The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce

"Psychologist Coleman steps back from the traditional assumption that spouses must find great personal satisfaction within their marriage and examines alternatives-apart from divorce-for those with children who are experiencing problems. Recommended for academic and public libraries!"
- Library Journal

"Coleman handles his subject with great care."
- The Chicago Tribune

"Coleman's words are a welcome antidote to unrealistic portrayals of domestic bliss."
- Publishers Weekly

"This book is a great contribution to the literature. It will significantly help people think carefully and thoughtfully about their marriages...This book offers clear and concrete help navigating these challenging and important questions that plague so many couples and individuals."
- Jessica Broitman Ph.D., Faculty, San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute

"Dr. Coleman has successfully managed to bring the reader beyond the black and white debate of marriage versus divorce into the rich grays of relationship and parenting . . .he has brought us a text which will appeal to a public desperate for new ideas about how to stay married with children. His book will also be invaluable to health care professionals eager to deepen their understanding of this complex topic."
- Dale C. Dallas, M.D. Chief of Physician Wellness, Associate Chief, Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Services, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Walnut Creek