Fully Half Committed: Conversation Starters for Romantic Relationships

This book is for those in a romantic relationship— and for those who want to be. Most couples begin their relationship accidentally and stay in it unconsciously. The authors explore the concept of being Fully Half Committed in relationships and why people are choosing to couple differently than their parents and grandparents. Whether you are with a partner for a day or a lifetime, the authors encourage people to have conscious, intentional relationships.

This book offers key ideas and strategies to work through the challenges of your romantic life—whether you are at the beginning, middle, or the end of a relationship.

ED RISLING has been in private practice in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada since 1985. Prior to starting his private practice, Ed worked in northern British Columbia as the head of an Inpatient Unit. In Saskatoon, Ed worked in Child and Youth Psychiatry at University Hospital. Ed graduated in 1974 with a diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from Wascana Institute in Saskatchewan and with a degree in Social Work from the University of Regina in 1990.

BARBARA MORRISON has been in private practice since 2003. Prior to beginning her private practice, Barbara worked in family counselling clinics in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Calgary, Alberta. Barbara offers individual, couples and family therapy. For two decades, she has facilitated workshops and presented at speaking engagements. In 1986, Barbara graduated with a degree in Social Work from the University of Regina. In 2003, she graduated with her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Calgary, with a specialty in couples therapy.

Praise for “Fully Half Committed

”Fully Half Committed is more than a conversation starter. The concise, stand-alone chapters start conversations, spur deeper thoughts and challenge the status quo of relationship habits—creating a safe haven for growth and development to evolve." (Dr. Penelope Stalker, MD, FCFPC, Family Physician, Broadway Family Physicians, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)

"This book is a stellar collection of love/sex/relationship insights that will teach you a thing or two if you have not yet considered that relationships require effort, practice, and intention. Barbara and Ed tackle universal relationship challenges in chapters such as “Understanding low sexual desire” and “Learning from betrayal” and they offer simple yet practical solutions in “Prioritizing your partner” and “Think before you speak". I invite you to open this book at any page and take away a small gem of relationship inspiration." (Dr. Raven Sinclair, BA, BISW, MSW, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina, Saskatoon Campus, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)

"In this age of over-exposure on social media, contact with a sexual partner is often fleeting and unsatisfying. This book is a good starting point to develop candor which is essential for true intimacy and meaningful connection." (Dr. Lynne Zettl, Director, Canadian Foundation for Trauma Research and Education, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada)

"The Fully Half Committed concept is illuminating and clearly resonates with me. This clever title is spot on not only for myself but also for my group of friends who exemplify being fully half committed in relationships. The authors have brilliantly encapsulated the experience of many people my age and across all generations. Additionally, the book offers 43 chapters of observations about relationships, accompanying advice and stimulating questions at the end of each chapter. A superb book to get conversation started! (Jack M., Client, age 37)

Barbara Morrison, BSW, MSW, RSW, is in private practice in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and has two clinics in the Broadway district (Saskatoon Relationship Clinic and Broadway Counselling & Therapy).

Ed Risling, RPN, BSW, RSW, graduated from the University of Regina and has been working private practice in Saskatoon since 1985.