7 Key Truths to Understand When Rebuilding a Broken Marriage

7 Key Truths to Understand When Rebuilding a Broken Marriage

Peter Mugi Kuruga

Certified Marriage and Family Therapist

Nairobi, Kenya

Medically reviewed by TherapyRoute
We found 7 things couples trying to rebuild a broken marriage must know to succeed.

If you’re working to mend a fractured marriage, there are some important realities to face. These aren't shortcuts or simple solutions, but they are vital for anyone genuinely committed to restoring a struggling relationship. Here are seven essential things to remember as you begin the journey of healing:

1. Healing is a gradual journey

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Restoring a damaged marriage doesn’t happen instantly. It takes time, patience, and perseverance. There will be ups and downs, and at times, the progress may feel frustratingly slow—but don’t lose hope. Time, when used wisely, becomes a valuable ally in the healing process.

2. Trust needs to be earned back

When trust has been broken, it can't be repaired with a quick apology or a single promise. Rebuilding trust takes consistent effort and reliability over time. It’s about showing—again and again through your actions—that you’re serious about growth, honesty, and making things right.

3. Communication is often the greatest challenge

A major reason many marriages begin to unravel is ineffective communication. Misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, and lingering conflicts can slowly build a wall between partners. Healing requires learning to speak with honesty and clarity—but just as importantly, it means learning to truly listen and understand each other’s perspective.

4. Resentment can linger beneath the surface

Even after choosing to work on your marriage, past wounds can unexpectedly resurface. Resentment has a way of quietly undermining progress, making it difficult to truly move forward. Recognising and addressing this emotional undercurrent is essential for genuine healing.

5. Both partners must be fully committed

Restoring a marriage isn’t something one person can do alone. It requires mutual effort, with both spouses equally invested in rebuilding the relationship. If one partner checks out or refuses to engage, the chances of lasting restoration become much slimmer.

6. Love by itself won’t fix everything

While love is a vital part of any marriage, it isn’t the only ingredient needed to make things work. Qualities like respect, empathy, and aligned values play a huge role. Realising this helps shift your focus from idealised romance to the practical, intentional effort required to restore a struggling relationship.

7. Getting professional support can make a difference

There are times when outside help is necessary. Turning to a counsellor or therapist doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re serious about healing. A trained professional can provide insights, tools, and guidance that can help you both navigate the challenges and rebuild your connection more effectively.

At Giving Hope Counselling Services, we understand that every marriage faces challenges—and you don’t have to face them alone. Our compassionate, experienced therapists are here to walk alongside you, offering proven strategies, heartfelt guidance, and a safe space to work through even the toughest seasons. Whether you're struggling with communication, trust, or emotional distance, we’re committed to helping you and your partner rediscover connection, rebuild trust, and create a stronger, healthier relationship. Let us help you find hope and healing—because your marriage is worth fighting for.

Call/WhatsApp us at +254721240462 or +254733932470 or email us at info@givinghope.co.ke to book a Counselling session.

Important: TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.

About The Author

Peter Mugi

Peter Mugi Kuruga

Certified Marriage and Family Therapist

Nairobi, Kenya

A Licensed and experienced Counselling Psychologist/Marriage and Family Therapist working with families, couples, parents, adolescents, groups, and individuals

Peter Mugi Kuruga is a qualified Certified Marriage and Family Therapist, based in Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya. With a commitment to mental health, Peter Mugi provides services in , including Counseling, Divorce Counseling, Family Therapy, Relationship Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, Mediation, Online Therapy, Relationship Counseling, Stress Management and Adolescent Therapy. Peter Mugi has expertise in .

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