Why does marriage coaching work? When couples marry, each person (teammate) brings an individual playbook with them from their life experiences. This playbook includes how to communicate, handle anger, respond to conflict, and other interpersonal skills. Any team will have problems if they do not operate from a common playbook and marriage teams are no exception. In Rick and Jane Learn to Listen and Talk, The First Step to Intimacy by Al and Autumn Ray, a young couple, Rick and Jane, seek help from marriage coaches, Sam and Sally, to invigorate and heal their marriage. As the story progresses, Sam and Sally help the couple learn and practice new skills to create a common playbook for their marriage team. "Marriage is like a team," say the authors, "and like all teams, it functions best when the players are skilled and operate from the same playbook." The Rays, married in 1970, are co-founders of MarriageTeam, a non-profit that trains marriage coaches and matches couples with coaches. MarriageTeam has achieved numerous successes with this unique coaching process. The first in their Learn to be Married for Rick and Jane series, this wise little book is meant to help you learn the skills you need, right along with Rick and Jane. Conversationally written and easy to use, it can strengthen your marriage and lead to the winning marriage of your dreams.