When Rebecca and James Lockwood realized their relationship wasn’t thriving, they discovered it wasn’t because they stopped loving each other. It was mainly because their chaotic life had quietly eroded their connection.
“We both felt lonely, overwhelmed, and disconnected,” Rebecca admits in the opening chapter of their book The Cohesive Couple: Escape the Chaos. Connect Deeply. Build A Bigger Future—Together.
The Challenges of Sustaining Relationships
Rebecca and James’ story was not unique. Many couples face similar problems in harmonizing dreams, managing daily life, and sustaining relationships. However, Rebecca and James did not allow their problems to defeat them.
Instead, Rebecca utilized methods she previously used as a coach with her clients. “If businesses can thrive with a system, why can’t couples?” she wondered. Consequently, they built a structure around their relationship to enhance connectedness, teamwork, and a sense of purpose.
The result was The Cohesive Couple, a relationship transformation program and operating system co-created by Rebecca and James alongside Tom Bouwer, a seasoned business leader and coach. The program and book, by the same name, provide couples with a step-by-step guide to escape the chaos in their lives, connect deeply, and build a more meaningful future together.
Creating Realistic Goals for Couples
Everything revolves around creating a shared future to help the couple pursue the same values and goals. Hence, the program provides both individuals with techniques for creating a realistic plan, so they can achieve their dreams as a couple. Most importantly, it offers strategies to prioritize what truly matters, helping couples escape the chaos of daily life.
The program’s founders explain, “All great businesses, leaders, and athletes have an operating system and healthy habits to help them continuously improve. The Cohesive Couple is an operating system for couples to help them continuously grow and improve.”
This focus on systems and accountability sets The Cohesive Couple apart from one-off retreats or fleeting online courses. With regular weekly, quarterly, and annual check-ins, couples can reflect on their progress, celebrate their successes, and stay aligned on their journey forward. “It’s amazing how 45 minutes a week keeps us on the same page and avoids miscommunication,” says James.
Rebecca and James’s story proves the program’s transformative potential. Five years ago, the couple began implementing the methods that later became “The Cohesive Model.” It wasn’t an easy process. “There were tears, tension, and pain,” James shares. “But as we started seeing results, we leaned in.”
A Stronger Bond
Their bond has only become stronger. As a couple, they have accomplished several bucket list dreams, such as exploring 32 states and skiing through four winters in Colorado. James even took their son to Everest Base Camp. Above all, they have built a meaningful life filled with dreams and activities.
Encouraged by their victory, the couple decided to offer this system to other couples. Those who have participated in the program have experienced remarkable growth. Some of the couples have accomplished their three-year goals in just 18 months.
Rebecca, James, and Tom believe The Cohesive Couple can help many more couples invest in their best relationships. “We wanted a thriving community of members where you could meet amazing other couples who were on this similar journey with you that you could learn and grow from,” Rebecca shares.
The Cohesive Couple program improves individual relationships and has created a community. For couples ready to escape the chaos and build a brighter future, The Cohesive Couple offers a roadmap and a reminder that anything is possible with the right tools.
Written in partnership with Tom White
