E37: What makes Christina Neri with Maverick Marriage Therapy a good neighbor?  

Relationships form the core of our human experience, yet most of us receive little formal education on how to navigate them successfully. Christina Neri, founder of Maverick Marriage Therapy, is working to change that reality for couples in crisis and those simply seeking to strengthen their bonds. On the latest episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, Christina shared insights from her practice that illuminate the often misunderstood world of couples therapy and relationship dynamics.

One of the most powerful revelations from Christina's interview is her perspective on relationship struggles. Rather than seeing dysfunctional relationships as battles between good and evil parties, she observes that "95 to 98 percent" of couples consist of two fundamentally good people who simply lack the necessary skills and tools. This perspective counters popular social media narratives about "toxic" relationships that should be abandoned. Christina compares many relationship dynamics to two people in protective bubbles, desperately wanting connection but unable to reach each other through their defensive barriers – a metaphor that resonates with anyone who has felt simultaneously close to and distant from their partner.

Maverick Marriage Therapy takes an innovative approach by offering intensive therapy options – concentrated two-day sessions that accomplish what might otherwise take 16-18 weeks. This format has proven particularly effective for couples on the brink of separation who need immediate intervention. Christina emphasizes that couples therapy differs significantly from individual therapy in its directiveness. While individual therapy often involves reflective listening to help clients reach their own conclusions, couples typically arrive saying, "If I had the answer, I'd be doing it. Hold my hand, teach me the skills." Therapists at Maverick respond by providing concrete guidance and sometimes difficult truths delivered with compassion and clarity.

Christina's personal journey into relationship therapy began with her childhood experiences. Growing up in a family with good intentions but limited relational tools, she developed an early fascination with interpersonal dynamics. These experiences, which could have defined her negatively, instead fueled her empathy and professional passion. She articulates this transformation beautifully when discussing how past trauma can shape us: "God has really helped me in that area and taken what would have been something that could have destroyed me, destructed my self-esteem and my self-worth, and instead has grown this gift." This sentiment echoes the hero/villain paradigm discussed in the interview – both experience trauma, but heroes channel that pain into preventing others from suffering similarly.

Perhaps most impressive is Christina's emphasis on creating a healthy practice environment. She is "fiercely protective" of the culture at Maverick Marriage Therapy, recognizing that therapists' own well-being directly impacts client outcomes. Through rigorous hiring practices and a commitment to staff support, she ensures her team embodies the very relational skills they teach. This holistic approach reflects the core philosophy that relationships matter in every context – between therapist and client, among staff members, and ultimately in the homes and lives of the couples they serve.

To learn more about Maverick Marriage Therapy go to: 

Www.maverickmarriagetherapy.com

Maverick Marriage Therapy

(770) 913-6557