Taking the leap of faith into holy matrimony is not always as picture perfect as it seems on the big screen.
In reality, deciding to marry someone means having to learn about another human being, including the things you might not fully enjoy or understand. When defending the United States of America, nurturing a marriage can come with many unique challenges and among the ways to improve a relationship is the use of art.
After returning from a deployment, Spc. Timothy Dzubay, an armourer assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg and his wife Samantha, realized they needed some assistance improving their communication. Although they were high school sweethearts and know each other very well, the couple sought to improve their marriage early and linked up with Dr. Jannetta Jordan, PhD., of Wallace, North Carolina.
"Art therapy is simply a different form of therapy where one can express what they desire to speak through visual art," said Jordan, a psychotherapist. "It is used in various therapeutic settings to attain breakthroughs as some situations may be too difficult to verbalize."
The Dzubay's met Jordan about six months ago, after a referral from Army Community Service. During their meetings, the couples' talents were discovered. Timothy not only likes to read poetry, but loves to create his own poems. Samantha has always had an eye for illustration and loves to draw freehanded, illustrating her husband's thought-provoking poetry.
"I have seen many changes in my marriage and realized my wife's view of communication is different than mine," said Timothy. "I have been learning more about the way she prefers to communicate."
The couple say they are happy with the positive changes that have occurred in their marriage.
"I definitely recommend art therapy to all couples seeking counseling," said Samantha. "It has helped Timothy and I have conversations beyond the daily, surface level subjects. We have gained a better understanding of each other."
Often times there is a negative connotation associated with getting counseling.
The couple say the choice to begin counseling was to prevent any possible issues before they actually happened.
"When I first met them, I saw two mature young people with extraordinary talents unaware of the great gifts they have," said Jordan.
"We enjoy creating our art with Dr. Jordan," said the Dzubay's. "She definitely pushes us to express ourselves and show our talent."
Jordan was so impressed with the Dzubay's artwork, that she is featuring them at her upcoming Art Showcase, May 5. She is hosting a Couples Night Out: Dinner and a Movie.
Timothy and Samantha said they are nervous about the upcoming showcase because they have never shared their work with others, but are thrilled about the exhibit.
"I'm so excited for their gifts, they have a bright future," said Jordan. "This young and talented couple work together and this is what the marriage walk is all about."
The event on May 5 is at 6:30 p.m., at 3300 Laurinburg Rd. in Raeford, North Carolina 28376. Military and civilian couples are invited to attend the free event. For more information, contact Jordan at 527-2534.
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