 By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations Have you ever wondered why your spouse reacts so differently to stress, goals, or even household tasks? Or why certain conversations energize you while others leave you feeling drained? These differences often go beyond preferences--they're rooted in how each of us is uniquely wired.
At Encompass Connection Center, David and I often coach couples and use personality assessments like Myers Briggs, DISC, and the Enneagram to help couples find out more about themselves and their partner. CliftonStrengths assessment (formerly StrengthsFinder) has become one of our favorite tools for marriage enrichment as it identifies what’s right with you—and how your strengths can build connection.
0 Comments
 By Dr. David Mabry Encompass Executive Director If you're looking for a fresh and meaningful way to connect with your spouse—beyond the usual dinner and a movie—try exploring your personality types together. Taking time to understand each other’s unique wiring can be a powerful way to strengthen marriage communication, deepen empathy, and grow your relationship. Whether you're dating, engaged, newlyweds, or decades into marriage, using a personality assessment as a couples activity is a fun and insightful way to build greater connection and insight into how you both think, decide, and interact.
One of the most helpful tools I’ve found for understanding personality is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI). It’s a well-established framework that helps people understand how they naturally perceive the world and make decisions. I’ve used it personally, professionally, and in coaching sessions with couples, families, and workplace teams. In fact, I’m a certified MBTI practitioner and have seen how learning about personality can transform relationships.  By Abby Glaser Encompass Community Advocate When Leah first met Abby, the community advocate at Encompass, she was in the second year of recovery, fresh out of a relationship with her trafficker and terrified of going back. She had already taken courageous steps by entering a treatment center and joining a relationship class. That’s where her advocate first noticed the signs--signs Leah didn’t fully recognize herself.
After graduating from the program, Leah reached out for support. What followed was a transformative three-year journey—marked by setbacks, breakthroughs, and an unwavering relationship built on trust, safety, and advocacy.  Faith and Keith Bosland. By Faith Bosland Encompass Board President Looking back, there were some pretty good reasons for my husband Keith and I not to take that RINGS class.
At the time, back in 2011, our kids were 5 and 3. Life with two little kids and two full time jobs felt like rollerblading on a treadmill most days, and Sunday afternoons – when our church was inviting us to come to 3 weeks of RINGS classes – were one of the precious little bits of downtime in the chaos. Could it really be worth that sacrifice? On top of that, we felt like our marriage was doing pretty well. We’re both easygoing people and had never had a lot of conflict or arguments. We both felt like we knew how to communicate well. But we’d heard good things about the RINGS workshop – so we gave up our Sunday downtime (goodbye, naps) for three weeks and went. Fourteen years later, those two squirrelly little kids are now pretty great young adults. I can’t say I remember exact “aha moments” or statements made in those three sessions. But I can tell you that RINGS has impacted our relationship and our family greatly, and here’s why:  By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations Want a healthier family? And we are not talking about food! Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles anyone can take on. It's a journey full of growth, learning, and love, but also fraught with difficult moments, stress, and conflict. That's why having a supportive framework can be a game-changer for both parents and children. Our program, Parenting for Kids’ Sake, is designed to help families experience growth in their parenting abilities by strengthening practical, time-tested skills.
 By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Building a healthy and lasting relationship is one of life’s greatest joys—but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. Whether you’re feeling disconnected, navigating a tricky season, or simply wanting to grow closer, the RINGS program at the Encompass Connection Center is here to help.
 By Lavern Nissley
Encompass Relationship Facilitator The holidays can be tough on relationships. We know because of the usual uptick in calls for help in January! You've been together with family and friends which provides a lot more time and space for conversations than usual. Tangible gifts are given and received. And some are later returned. What are some gifts we could give that are precious, priceless, and premeditated to strengthen and deepen relationships?  By Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to roast turkey and baked ham, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, stuffing, deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, pecan pie, fresh dinner rolls, and…family. Ahhhh, the family. We gather together with family giving thanks with grateful hearts. Or do we?
Do we give thanks with grateful hearts? And, does it really matter? Turns out, it does. In fact, it matters a lot.  By Abby Glaser Encompass Community Advocate Often in our office, we see couples who should have come to us much sooner! By the time they step through our door, their relationship is on the verge of total disaster. On average, couples in crisis wait far longer than they should to reach out for help. So how do you know when you should? Let’s look at three signs to keep an eye out for!
 By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Marriage is a beautiful journey, but like all relationships, it has its ups and downs. The good news is that you have the power to shape the quality of your relationship. By making intentional choices and focusing on the things that bring you closer as a couple, you can create a stronger, happier, and more peaceful marriage.
|
Want to get weekly emails to stay up-to-date with Encompass?
HostsDr. David Marine and Theresa Mabry are Co-Directors of Encompass since June 1, 2024. TOPICS
All
Archives
July 2025
|
FIND IT QUICKLY |
STAY CONNECTEDOFFICE HOURSMON 9a-2p
TUE 9a-2p WED 9a-2p THU 9a-2p Other hours by appointment VISIT US616 N. Limestone St. | Springfield, OH
|
Funding is provided by Clark County Job and Family Services, Charles L. Shor Foundation, Nehemiah Foundation, Springfield Foundation, Turner Foundation, and private donations and fees.
Program content is the sole responsibility of Encompass Connection Center and does not necessarily represent the views of the funders.
Encompass Connection Center services are provided to all eligible persons on a non-discriminatory basis. Encompass Connection Center complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning discrimination does not discriminate on the basis of the potential participant's race, gender, gender orientation, age, disability or religion.
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 37-1485217
Program content is the sole responsibility of Encompass Connection Center and does not necessarily represent the views of the funders.
Encompass Connection Center services are provided to all eligible persons on a non-discriminatory basis. Encompass Connection Center complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning discrimination does not discriminate on the basis of the potential participant's race, gender, gender orientation, age, disability or religion.
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 37-1485217