by Barbara Schneider, bschneider@bigcanoenews.com
Big Canoe resident Barbara Peters describes her book “The Gift of a Lifetime, Building a Marriage That Lasts” as “the ideal guide for those contemplating marriage; those newly married; or those renewing their vows.”
Her extensive professional background and years counseling couples in trouble bring a depth of knowledge and broad experience to her writing. A registered nurse and licensed professional counselor, Peters holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and a member of Licensed Professional Counselors of Georgia.
She has hands-on experience through her work in psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health organizations. “I provide common sense, solution-focused counseling and support for individuals and couples,” she said.
Peters didn’t set out to write a book about relationships and marriage but a letter from a client changed her mind. She had been working with the couple for a while when the husband wrote to thank her for the difference she had made in his marriage. “He thanked me and inspired me to share a message on how to make marriage work,” she said.
Peters likes to use humor and common sense in counseling. She considers herself “very direct and honest” and brings those same attributes to her book.
She believes “people form their lives by the choices they make.” To help redirect those choices she came up with the acronym FACTS to encompass forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, trust and spirituality.
And she has a section called “What’s love got to do with it? Two pages are devoted to wedding vows and another section offers a marriage maintenance agreement.
Don’t expect a dry, hard-to-read tome. Peters’ easy-reading style is illustrated in this brief excerpt on cultural differences:
This one can be quite challenging. One’s culture defines priorities, understanding of history, psychology, and even the language they use. Take, for example, the cultural differences between two individuals raised in different parts of the country.
Think about a southern gentleman teaming up with a New York princess. Can you get a picture of what could go on there? It could be the second Civil War. I say Civil War, but there may be nothing civil about it.
For more information about Barbara Peters’ philosophy on marriage go to www.bjpcounseling.com; to purchase her book in electronic, paperback or hardcover formats go to www.thegiftofalifetime.net.
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