Webinar Series

Date: June 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 MDT

We know that people having marital concerns turn first to friends and family rather than to professionals or programs. Marital First Responders is a research-based workshop for “natural confidants,” people who others talk to support and perspective when experiencing marital problems. The day long workshop trains these lay people on how to be helpful and how to avoid doing harm by taking sides. Studies have shown that participants come away with more knowledge about marital relationships and common problems, and with skills for being listening, being supportive, sharing perspectives, maintaining good boundaries, and referring for professional help when needed.  

The overall goal of the Marital First Responders program, created by Bill Doherty through the Doherty Relationship Institute, is to increase the capacity of family networks, friendship circles, faith communities, and other local communities to support vulnerable marriages. Training to offer the workshops is free (upon application review) to those who will offer the workshop free or to cover basic costs. 

Bill Doherty, Ph.D. is an emeritus professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota. He is past president of the National Council on Family Relationships and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family Therapy Academy. 

Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 MDT

Bringing a baby into the world is life-changing—not just for parents, but for their brains, emotions, and relationships. This engaging webinar is designed for both therapists and couples to explore how pregnancy and postpartum impact mental health, communication, and conflict resolution. 

Led by Shara Jackson Harper, a perinatal mental health therapist, doula, and childbirth educator with over 10 years of experience, this session will dive into the neuroscience of the “pregnant and postpartum brain,” explaining why many couples struggle with increased tension, miscommunication, and emotional shifts during this time. 

•  How hormonal and brain changes affect mood, memory, and emotional regulation
• Why pregnancy and postpartum can make conflict harder to navigate—and how to manage it
• Tools for strengthening connection and communication in this transformative season
• Practical strategies for therapists supporting perinatal clients and couples 

Whether you’re a mental health professional or a couple preparing for or navigating parenthood, this webinar will equip you with insights and tools to foster resilience, understanding, and connection

Shara Jackson Harper is a CSW with a deep passion for supporting individuals and couples through the emotional and relational shifts of pregnancy and postpartum. As a mother of five with over 10 years of experience as a doula and childbirth educator, combined with specialized training in perinatal mental health, Shara brings a unique perspective that blends emotional well-being, relationship dynamics, and the real-life challenges of new parenthood. Through education, therapy, and compassionate guidance, Shara helps couples navigate the impact of the "pregnant and postpartum brain," improving communication, managing conflict, and strengthening connection during this transformative season of life.