This interview is the first in a series of Dating Coach interviews on eDrugstore.MD. We will be adding new interviews on a regular basis. Please see our complete list of insightful interviews
1. How important is pre-marital counseling? What problems can this type of coaching help head off as a marriage begins and progresses?
I believe that pre-marital counseling can make the difference not only in the longevity of a marriage but the quality or the marital experience. There are two important elements that I find are most useful to address in pre-marital counseling.
- One is to determine if the couple is compatible for a long-term relationship. If they are the knowledge will give them great confidence in their future together. If they are not, though this is hard to face it will save them even greater heartache in the future.
- The other and much more common benefit of pre-marital counseling is to help the couple communicate about the important areas of building a life together. They learn how they want to handle their finances, having children, where they want to live, what their relationship values are and much more. This gives them a strong foundation from which to face both the joys and challenges that come in any life.
2. What are some tips for getti
ng and staying in a happy, well-rounded relationship?
The most important tip I could give someone is to know what their relationship values are so they can be discerning in who they chose to have an intimate romantic relationship with. The other tip would be to be able to be authentic and speak the truth about what is important to them. So often people hide their true selves and hold back on speaking the truth for fear they will be rejected. What happens though is they then end up in a relationship where they have to hide their true selves and this can only lead to unhappiness.
3. What are your best tips for taking an “okay” relationship to a level of greatness?
To make a good relationship great, first the couple needs to be willing to look at issues that they might think are minor. Not to blame their partner but in order to be able to talk about their wants and needs in a way that is safe and empowering for both people. When a couple is able to communicate their inner most dreams AND to be open about what they would like to be better in their relationship this opens them up to a new level of intimacy and trust.
4. How can a woman who has become preoccupied with her work or other obligations refocus on the romance portion of her life/relationship?
The first step in this process is to be willing to give her personal and romantic life the time and attention it deserves! Like any other area in life finding and sustaining a wonderful romantic partnership takes time and effort and most of us need help. Getting help from a relationship coach or other types of support can make all the difference in moving forward with a feeling of confidence.
5. What sorts of things do you teach in your “The Art and Science of Romance” program? 
My Art and Science of Romance course takes a woman through a process I have developed in my many years as a relationship coach as well as my own personal life. It starts with a “ cleaning out of the closet” of their relationship closet. The past patterns that have defeated them as well as where they shine. Then I help them to identify their values, strengths and ways they like to be treated. From there they discover what their relationship values, needs and wants are. They create a new life vision for themselves that includes their ideal relationship. After they have this as a foundation they learn how to speak the truth to others including potential romantic partners.
What the women tell me is the biggest benefit they receive from taking this program is they end up with a confidence in themselves in the area of romance! They feel good about the choices they make and what the future holds for them.
About Kat Knecht: RelationshipCoaching.com
Kat Knecht is a love, dating and relationship coach. Along with her husband Curtis she is the co-founder of Relationship Coaching Connection, which delivers positive and productive private and group coaching programs, workshops and retreats to benefit all kinds of relationships. Her program The Art and Science of Romance has helped hundreds of single women find the romantic life they desire. The Relationship Alchemy Coaching Circles that Kat facilitates weekly help women to not only find the love of their lives, or improve the relationship they already have, but to learn how to confidently navigate the territory of romance for the rest of their lives.
Kat is the creator of the Staying Engaged Cards, a game that sparks conversations for couples in a way that is both fun and informative. Kat is also author of It’s Not Just a Wedding It’s Your Life, a self-published work written for and marketed to newly-engaged and newlywed couples. Kat has written for national, regional and online markets, including choice Magazine and her column “How Will This Relationship Recover?” in Ventura Life & Style Magazine.. Kat lives in Ventura, CA, with her husband and business partner Curtis. They have a blended family of four children and have each experienced divorce and know first hand the importance of bringing clear intentions, a solid foundation and a sense of humor to any relationship – and staying engaged all the way.
