141 North Acacia Avenue, Suite A
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858) 755-3519

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Marriage and Family Therapist

I completed my graduate education in California (Santa Clara University & The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley) then spent eight years in Colorado and Washington before returning to California in 1984 and opening a counseling practice in Solana Beach. I founded the Center for Marriage to provide counseling, educational programs and referrals to couples at all stages of relationship. Although most of my clinical hours are dedicated to marriage counseling, I also provide therapy for individuals and families. I believe that people's primary relationships profoundly affect their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. I am dedicated to helping people develop relationships that bring health, joy and meaning to their lives.

Practice Information - General information about individual, couple and family therapy services.

Marriage Counseling - Specific information about my policies and goals for marital therapy.

Divorce Prevention Program - an educationally oriented program to help couples prevent current issues from developing into serious problems by increasing relationship awareness and improving couple communication skills.

Premarital Counseling - an educationally oriented program to help couples begin marriage with a better understanding of their relationship strengths and problems, and with improved communication skills (for couples of all ages and relationship histories).

How to Choose a Marriage Counselor - This article was published in the San Diego Family Magazine, May 2000. Here are links to some additional guidance in choosing a marriage counselor: #1  #2

Directions to Office - This map can be printed out for your reference.

Photo of Office Building - This is a photo of 141 North Acacia to help you find us.

Office Forms for New Clients - If you would like to complete our office forms before your first appointment, you can print out copies here in .pdf format.

Download Page - Various exercises and handouts are available here for downloading and use by my counseling clients. Call or email me if you need the access password.

National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists - I am listed in this registry of advanced practitioners dedicated to helping couples develop healthy lifelong marriages.

American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) - This site provides helpful consumer information about common family problems and the professionals who treat those problems, Marriage and Family Therapists.

AAMFT - California Division - I was honored to serve as President of the California Division of AAMFT (2001–2003) after serving on the Board of Directors beginning in 1992.

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Ordained Minister

I was ordained as a minister in 1976 and have served as a spiritual leader in both university and church based positions. I believe that my work as a marriage and family therapist is enhanced by my theological education, my commitment to personal spiritual growth, and by the encouragement I receive from my faith community. I am committed to providing holistic care that addresses the relationship/emotional and ethical/spiritual issues of the people I serve. One special privilege of ordained ministry is the authority to officiate at weddings. Each year I have the pleasure of providing premarital counseling and performing wedding ceremonies for many wonderful couples. 

Premarital Counseling - an educationally oriented program to help couples save their marriages before they start. Couples gain a better understanding of their relationship strengths and problem areas, and improved communication skills. This program is for couples of all ages and relationship histories.

Wedding Information - Information about my services as a wedding officiant

United Church of Christ (UCC)  - My faith tradition is a diverse and inclusive Protestant Christian tradition. UCC churches are open to and respectful of differing points of view, always seeking to discover community within diversity. UCC churches are progressive churches, committed to pursuing peace and social justice.

Esperanza International - In 1985, I became involved in the development of Esperanza International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the poor to help themselves. Esperanza promotes community development projects in Tijuana, Mexico. Volunteer opportunities are available.

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Writer

I began writing a monthly parenting column for San Diego Family Magazine in 1985. SDFM has a readership of approximately 300,000. Free copies are distributed throughout San Diego County at doctors' offices, day care centers, schools, grocery stores, drug stores, children's stores and restaurants.

In 2005, 2007 and 2008 my column received the top award in its category from Parenting Publications of America in a competition judged by faculty and graduates of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

A few of my favorite—and most personal—columns are available here for you to read. The first two are actually letters I wrote to my children on their eighteenth birthdays (November '94 and August '97). Next is a letter I wrote to my parents on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary (June '96). The last article was published in June 2006 for Father's Day. I hope you enjoy them.

Letters to My Children

A Letter to Mom and Dad

In Appreciation of Fathers

Over the years, I have covered a wide range of topics in my magazine column. If you are interested in reading past columns on a particular topic, please contact me via e-mail and let me know your request. I cannot promise an immediate response, but if I have something available, I will send you a copy via e-mail attachment. Please remember that copyright laws apply to my columns. They are provided for your personal use only and may not be reproduced without permission. Also, please note that my columns are provided for general educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for professional advice, counseling or therapy.

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Contacting Me

I would be happy to hear from you. Please contact me at meineke@centerformarriage.com

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  Marriage Wisdom and Humor

Marriage Wisdom and Humor - Follow this link to a large collection of quotes, jokes and wedding toasts for inspiration and enjoyment.