Jason & Crystalina Evert Get Real About Counseling, Hope for Couples
11/30/25
I recently heard an inspiring podcast from Jason and Chrystalina Evert, where they opened up about the ups and downs in their marriage, and the counseling that both of them have been receiving. I admire Jason and Chrystalina’s work a lot, and I’ve seen Jason present multiple times at conferences, and have listened to many of their talks and read several of their books. Jason and Crystalina have given inspiring presentations on relationships, theology of the body, dating, and chastity at some of the largest Catholic conferences including SEEK, NCYC, and hundreds of schools and churches.
It was inspiring to hear them talk about the healing journey that they’ve been on including individual counseling, couples counseling, connecting with friends at their parish, adoration, spiritual direction, and other spiritual and emotional support. They spoke about some of the practicals that have helped their marriage including counseling, regular dates, doing more ministry work together, and a “daily temperature reading” that they started after a marriage retreat with Dr. Bob Schuchts, whose Be Healed book and Restore the Glory podcast are in our resource page. It’s a pretty nice check-in and Jason said sometimes they set a five minute timer when they go through it. I’ve been sending this to couples that I work with, and here it is:
Appreciations
New Information - sharing new information about kids, work, friends, etc.
Puzzles - things you are stuck on
Complaints / needs with a request for change
Apologies - sincere apology
Prayer Requests
Wishes, Hopes and Dreams
I think the story from Jason and Crystalina is helping a lot of people be more honest and intentional about improving their relationships with counseling, small groups, spiritual direction, and being around other Catholic & Christian friends who are vulnerable about their healing journeys. None of us are made for independence, and we are made for interdependence with others. I often tell clients that it’s a sign of courage to reach out for counseling.
I was talking with Fr. Sean Kilcawley several years ago who has presented at many large conferences including SEEK, and given trainings for many priests and FOCUS missionaries. Fr. Sean said that most Catholics who really want to thrive in their lives, need these three things: 1) small groups, 2) spiritual director / mentor, and 3) a counselor at various seasons in their life. My wife and I have both benefited from going to counselors over the years, along with spiritual direction, small groups, and multiple marriage retreats.
There are many couples I’ve provided counseling to for a variety of topics including improving communication, parenting, intimacy, trust, preparing for marriage, career changes, support for addictions, grief, etc. Our team at Sacred Heart counseling provides lots of counseling for couples, individuals, and families, and we recently started accepting insurance through the Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS healthcare plan.
I would also encourage couples to reach out to Brad and Libby DuPont, in the Archdiocesan Marriage and Family Life Office for a variety of helpful retreats and marriage events including Evermore in Love, Retrouvaille, and Life Giving Wounds. Mike and Christie Dennihan at School of Love have helpful events and resources for couples as well. I hope all of you have a joyful and blessed advent, and more healing in your relationships!
Sam Meier, MA, LCPC