About

Meet Michael: Your Guide
Through the Messy Middle

The Real Story Behind the Guy at the Helm

Hey there! I'm Michael Smalley, and I've been in the relationship trenches for over 30 years. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and more marriage intensives under my belt than I can count, you'd think I'd have it all figured out, right?

Plot twist: After 28 years of marriage, I went through my own divorce. Talk about a humbling ride from expert to student, from teacher to desperate learner. But here's the beautiful thing – that journey through the valley has given me something no textbook ever could: genuine compassion for anyone fighting for their relationship.

I've authored lots of books (from Don't Date Naked to The DNA of Relationships), planted three churches that are still going strong, and spoken everywhere from intimate living rooms to Promise Keepers events with over a million attendees. But my favorite moments? Those breakthrough conversations with couples who thought they were done, only to discover they were just getting started.

These days, you'll find me running marriage intensives with an 87% success rate (we're pretty proud of that number!), creating online courses, and training other coaches and therapists in our methods. When I'm not doing that, I'm enjoying Colorado mountain life, hanging out with my three adult kids (Cole, Reagan, and David), or helping my mom, Norma Jean, continue Dad's incredible legacy.

More Than Marriage Because Life Is Bigger Than Just "I Do"

While marriage transformation is our heartbeat, we're passionate about the whole journey:

• Recovery ministries that address the real stuff people struggle with
• Church partnerships to strengthen marriage ministries from the inside out
• The Gary T. Smalley School of Marriage and Family for those called to help others
• Personal coaching for individuals ready to break destructive patterns
• Live events including our Comedy of Love date nights (because who said growth can't be fun?)

The Truth About Transformation (Honest Words from Someone Who Gets It)

I'm not here to pretend I have all the answers or that my life is Instagram-perfect. After my sabbatical and divorce, I rebuilt everything – not just my business, but my understanding of grace, healing, and what it really takes to transform.

What I've learned? Transformation isn't a destination; it's a lifelong journey. It's messy, beautiful, painful, and absolutely worth it. Whether you're trying to save your marriage, heal from loss, or just become a better human, you deserve someone who's been in the trenches and came out with mud on their boots and hope in their heart.

Why We Exist (It's Always Been About You)

You are the reason the Smalley Institute exists. You deserve:

• A marriage that makes you excited to come home
• Relationships that energize rather than drain you
• Tools that actually work in real life (not just in theory)
• A guide who's been where you are and isn't afraid to admit it

We combine rock-solid research with real-world experience, biblical wisdom with practical psychology, and professional expertise with genuine compassion. We don't just teach principles – we've lived them, struggled with them, and discovered what actually moves the needle.

Join the Journey: Because Nobody Should Do This Alone

Whether you're in crisis or want to level up your relationship game, we're here for you. From our online courses you can take in your pajamas to intensive programs that will change your life, we meet you where you are.

This isn't about perfection – it's about progress. It's about learning to love better, fail forward, and keep showing up even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.

Welcome to the Smalley Institute family. We're so glad you're here.

"I am deeply appreciative of everything Michael shares from personal experience. To me, it is the most reassuring and helpful of all." – Recent Client

"Michael is the real deal! Genuine message and marriage champion for our culture." – Event Organizer

Ready to take the next step? Whether you need immediate help or just want to grow stronger, we have options that fit your needs, schedule, and budget. Because everyone deserves a chance at extraordinary relationships.