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Dr. John Townsend

Dr. John Townsend is a clinical psychologist, a marriage and family therapist, a popular public speaker and the co-founder of Cloud-Townsend Resources. He is also the author or co-author of numerous books including God Will Make a Way, How People Grow and Who’s Pushing Your Buttons? Dr. Townsend holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Biola University. He resides in Southern California with his wife and sons. Learn how you can earn a graduate degree in Dr. Townsend’s methodology at The Townsend Institute.

A happy couple embraces in a field at sunset. Building trust in marriage is imperative to a successful relationship.

Building Trust in Marriage

Trust in marriage stands or falls on the quality of its foundation.

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Best of 2022: Fueling Great Relationships With Others

In this best of 2022 broadcast, Dr. John Townsend offers practical ideas on how to create incredibly meaningful relationships in every area of your life. He describes the types of people who are needed on your “life team” to help you grow – and others who need to be held at arm’s length, as you seek balance in your relationships with friends and colleagues.

How to Have a Great Christmas With Your Young Adults

Celebrating the holidays with clear communication and healthy boundaries with your young adults will make your time together more memorable and enjoyable.

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Establishing Healthy Boundaries With Your In-Laws (Part 2 of 2)

Well-known psychologists and authors, Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud share broadcast advice on how to relate with your in-laws. (Part 2 of 2)

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Establishing Healthy Boundaries With Your In-Laws (Part 1 of 2)

Well-known psychologists and authors, Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud share broadcast advice on how to relate with your in-laws. (Part 1 of 2)

Focus on the Family Broadcast logo

Fueling Great Relationships With Others

Dr. John Townsend offers practical ideas on how to create incredibly meaningful relationships in every area of your life. He describes the types of people who are needed on your “life team” to help you grow – and others who need to be held at arm’s length, as you seek balance in your relationships with friends and colleagues.

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Healing Parent and Adult Child Relationships (Part 2 of 2)

Dr. John Townsend offers parents guidance and encouragement for resolving a strained relationship with their adult children. (Part 2 of 2)

Focus on the Family Broadcast logo

Healing Parent and Adult Child Relationships (Part 1 of 2)

Dr. John Townsend offers parents guidance and encouragement for resolving a strained relationship with their adult children. (Part 1 of 2)

Boundaries With Kids

Boundaries are more important than you may realize. Here’s how to establish limits that will help your children succeed.

Setting Boundaries When Young Adults Return Home

Setting Boundaries When Young Adults Return Home

As a result of the Coronavirus, many adult children are moving back home with their parents, creating a new set of challenges. On this broadcast, Dr. John Townsend helps families navigate expectations and responsibilities to set healthy boundaries and show mutual respect.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 9

Rebellious kids can keep parents in an on-going cycle of conflict. John and Danny discuss ways to break that cycle when a pre-teen or teenager is acting out.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 8

Often, the problem is not what your child says, it’s his or her tone. John and Danny discuss ways to nip that creeping disrespect from your child in the bud.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 7

Little kids learn early on what it takes to get Mom and Dad to jump on command. John and Danny discuss ways to calm a toddler who just won’t stop screaming.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 6

John and Danny discuss how to stay in control as parents when a child is disobedient despite constant repetition, and it gets tempting to let anger boil over.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 5

There’s helicopter parenting, free range parenting, tiger parenting, and even lawnmower parenting. John and Danny discuss how “mowing down” roadblocks for our kids as lawnmower parents can cause serious damage later on.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 4

Strong-willed children must face the consequences of their actions, but John and Danny warn against breaking the will of the strong-willed child.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 3

As parents, dealing day in and day out with our children can wear us out. John and Danny challenge parents to reach out for help and resources before complete exhaustion sets in.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 2

Parents need discernment when it comes to some of the advice they’ll come across in raising their kids. John and Danny explain how the terrible advice of “never telling children no” can actually harm our kids.

Focus on Parenting Podcast

Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids, Part 1

We want our kids to be able to function well in society. That’s why we have to create boundaries for them when they’re young. John and Danny explain how to set boundaries by striking a balance of love and limits even if those boundaries are met with resistance.

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Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids (Part 2 of 2)

Psychologists Henry Cloud and John Townsend discuss the importance of parents defining appropriate boundaries and sticking with consequences in order to help kids learn to lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. (Part 2 of 2)

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Setting Healthy Boundaries with Your Kids (Part 1 of 2)

Psychologists Henry Cloud and John Townsend discuss the importance of parents defining appropriate boundaries and sticking with consequences in order to help kids learn to lead balanced, productive, and fulfilling adult lives. (Part 1 of 2)

How to Help Your Kids Behave Better

Establishing expectations and executing them with love can help you tame a young child’s negative behavior.

boundaries with teens

Boundaries with Teens: The Key to Freedom

Equipping your teen with inner strength and a sense of responsibility can feel overwhelming. Learn more about how to build healthy boundaries for your teen concerning their increasing freedom.

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Establishing Healthy Boundaries in Your Marriage

Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend explain what healthy boundaries in marriage are, and offer practical advice for establishing those boundaries and re-establishing them if they’ve been broken.

Healthy Opposite-Sex Friendships in Marriage

Some couples choose not to have opposite-sex relationships because of the risks. But the couple must make sure all the “nutrients” from others in the body of Christ are present.

Mother and teen daughter using laptop on bed

Choosing a College Major

How should your teen choose a college major? Use these six suggestions for guiding your child and in facilitating discussion.

Mom and dad sitting on the floor with their young daughter and applauding her as she cheers over building tall block towers

Constructive Praise

Help your kids grow in confidence and resilience through healthy patterns of praise.