Episode Details

[E250] Don't Let Your Marriage Get the Leftovers with Dr. Genee Francis

Episode 250 Published 16 hours ago

Description

Foster and adoptive parenting asks a lot of a marriage, and too often the marriage gets whatever is left at the end of the day. Licensed therapist Dr. Genee Francis of WinShape Marriage joins Jesse to talk through the most common sources of strain she sees, the grief that can sit quietly underneath this journey, and practical ways couples can protect their time, get on the same page, and build the village they need. Whether you're still filling out paperwork or years into parenting, this conversation is a reminder that caring for your marriage is part of caring for your kids.

Key Takeaways

Lack of time, disconnection, and differences in parenting are the three biggest sources of strain Genee sees in foster and adoptive marriages, and they tend to build slowly before anyone names them.
Grief is real on this journey (over infertility, the waiting, unmet dreams, and a child's own losses), and acknowledging it, ideally with a therapist who specializes in adoption, foster care, or attachment, helps couples stay healthy for the long haul.
A thriving marriage needs more than two people. A care team, respite, trusted couples who've walked the road, and a faith community make it possible to protect time together and weather hard seasons.

Guest Bio & Links

Dr. Genee Francis is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, dually licensed in Texas and Georgia, with over 19 years of experience specializing in complex developmental trauma, attachment, relationships, and family systems. She serves with WinShape Marriage, overseeing enrichment retreats and supporting content and programming, and she is a wife and mother of two sons.

Website: Make Us One Counseling

Social: Instagram @‌gfranlpc and Instagram @‌marriage_pour

Resources Mentioned

ETC Resources

Chapters

(00:00:00) - – Introduction: meet Dr. Genee Francis
(00:00:01) - – A childhood question: why do some marriages thrive and others fall apart?
(00:00:02) - – The three most common sources of strain in foster and adoptive marriages
(00:00:05) - – The role of grief: infertility, the waiting, and a child's losses
(00:00:09) - – First steps through grief: acknowledging what you feel
(00:00:12) - – How to find the right therapist as a couple
(00:00:14) - – Retreat or therapist? Being honest about where your marriage is
(00:00:16) - – Before placement: aligning on your why
(00:00:18) - – Learning about trauma, interviewing families, and serving as relief
(00:00:19) - – Protecting time together w