Close-Up with Dr. Joyce P. Buckner

In life and in love, many of us have experienced a roller coaster ride from a taste of heaven to a slice of hell and back. For over 30 years clinical psychologist, licensed marriage/family therapist, and author Dr. Joyce P. Buckner has struggled to understand the human condition and the reality of relationship issues. She has gradually made extraordinary breakthroughs in relationship and marriage dynamics. Her working motto is clear. She wants nothing more than to help you “create relationships you love.”

“The communication of specific interpersonal skills produces loving relationships. We know what the skills are and we know how to develop them, even when things go wrong and individual developmental issues surface. Conflict is predictable in an intimate relationship. Helping couples recognize the conflict as an opportunity for growth and guiding them in their development toward maturity and a truly positive and healthy relationship is the focus,” says Buckner.

Dr. Buckner has put her highly effective theories to paper by authoring Making Real Love Happen: The New ERA of Intimacy. “My own black pit experience in attempting to have a good marriage mirrored that of thousands of others who failed. I wanted to find answers as to why so many were unable to create healthy marriages. Patterns are discovered. The theories I’ve developed are based upon massive research, clinical observation, and personal experience. Empathy, Respect, Authenticity ---“ERA”--- are the three basic interpersonal skills found to be essential in intimacy building. They are essential tools for sustaining any healthy relationship."