West Bloomfield's 'Love Doctor' Shares Relationship Advice on PBS

A Sept. 8 special on Detroit Public TV (DPTV) will feature relationship advice from West Bloomfield resident Dr. Terri Orbuch, metro Detroit's "Love Doctor". 

“Secrets From The Love Doctor”, airing 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., shares stories and action-oriented tips gleaned from research into the lives and relationships of 373 couples Orbuch has followed since 1986. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), her project has included surveys and interviews with 746 individuals, about half of whom are still married to the same partners. 

"There have been so many interesting findings and stories, that I really wanted to be more public, making it more accessible to all people in relationships," Orbuch said. 

The show will reveal secrets designed to bring more passion and joy into relationships, as well as simple advice from Orbuch's research.

"Relationships are so important to our health and well-being," she said. "In order to gain the benefits of being in a relationship, you have to be in a happy relationship." 

Orbuch's landmark study began with couples from a U.S. county she described only as "near and dear". It was initially designed to follow their marriages through the early years. 

"The NIH was very interested, so we decided to continue to see how relationships change, to see whether what was important to women was important to men, and how relationships change over time," she said.

Couples divorced at about the same rate as the national average, but more than 70 percent of those who divorced found new partners. "I think that's hopeful," Orbuch said. 

After its metro Detroit debut, "Secrets from the Love Doctor" will begin airing Nov. 30 on PBS stations across the country. During the Sept. 8 show, pledge breaks will encourage contributions to DPTV, which is supported by viewers. Orbuch's books and a DVD copy of the show will be available as "thank you" gifts. 

Local residents can meet Orbuch in person on Sept. 21, 12 p.m.-2 p.m., at Lolly Ella Jewelry, 6706 Orchard Lake Rd. in West Bloomfield, where she will be signing copies of her books "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great" and "Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship". 

Learn more at drterrithelovedoctor.com