RELATIONAL SKILLS
SRQ BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Introducing Dr. JM and Dr. Anita Arrunategui of Relational Skills
Helping people find hope, healing, and stronger relationships
At Relational Skills, Inc., the belief is simple but powerful: healing and transformation are possible—for anyone. Based right here in Sarasota, this faith-based nonprofit offers compassionate counseling and practical teaching to support individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward emotional, relational, and spiritual renewal.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Dr. JM and Dr. Anita Arrunategui, Relational Skills was born from their personal story of healing and growth. After walking through their own challenges in marriage, they felt a strong calling to help others navigate similar struggles. With backgrounds in medicine, counseling, and ministry, they offer a unique and powerful blend of professional expertise and heartfelt faith.
Their specialties include:
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
Individual and Marriage Counseling
Marriage Mediation Intervention
Premarital Counseling with Certification
The APS Temperament Test
I first met Anita and JM while photographing their headshots, and recently had the joy of capturing them together. After more than 40 years of marriage, their connection is inspiring—a true reflection of the love and commitment they encourage in others. During their session, they shared that simply being photographed together was a bonding experience, something that made them feel even more connected.
I have seen it many times in front of my lens how powerful it can be for couples to take time—just the two of them—to slow down, be present, and truly celebrate their relationship. A session like this isn't just about photos; it's about connection.
About Anita:
As Co-Founder and Clinical Supervisor, Dr. Anita brings warmth, wisdom, and deep insight into her sessions. She specializes in Christian counseling, trauma recovery, and marriage mediation, and is passionate about helping others heal and grow through a biblically grounded approach.
About JM:
Dr. JM spent decades as an OB-GYN before transitioning into counseling. He’s served on 16 medical mission trips, and today, he brings that same heart for service into his work with couples and individuals. He’s steady, grounded in faith, and deeply committed to helping others build strong, lasting relationships.
Together, JM and Anita are making a lasting impact—one session, one story, one restored relationship at a time.
What inspired you to start your own business?
As individuals and as a couple, we have experienced difficult situations and needed the help of the counseling community to walk beside us to heal and to grow. We have had the calling to do the same for other hurting individuals and couples.
What inspires your work and sets you apart from others?
We are a husband-wife team who have seen firsthand the priceless gift we received from others and desire to assist others to heal and to grow and find joy.
What is your background, and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
We both come from 30+ years of experience in the medical field as a nurse & OBGYN. We owned and operated a very successful medical practice and so when we got the inspiration to begin Relational Skills, it was a smooth transition.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Our greatest success has been watching individuals and marriages that were in despair having hope.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Our greatest challenge has been raising seven children with the demands of a busy OBGYN practice and delivering babies.
Which small businesses inspire you?
Small businesses that showcase their products and/or services with the client’s needs front and center.
If you could go back to the beginning, knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
We would have opened our practice sooner. We can not believe how rewarding this is!
What’s your best advice for someone starting their own creative business?
Customer service and satisfaction is crucial as well as doing what you love.
Share a fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
My husband and I met in Brooklyn over 40 years ago in a hospital cafeteria and were married one year later.
What do you love most about Sarasota?
The beach vibe, the beautiful clouds, sunny days and sunsets.
If you had an extra $100,000, how would you invest it?
Since we are a non-profit, we would invest it into those individuals and marriages that need counseling but can not afford it.
Which charities and nonprofits do you support?
We support Relational Skills inc., Bayside Community Church and Liberty First.
What are your favorite restaurants in town?
Incawasi, Paris Bistro, Sandbar and Columbia.
How do you define success?
Doing what you love with those you love…
What’s the coolest project you’re working on right now?
We love to learn. We are enrolling in a program to enhance our knowledge base for marriages.
RELATIONAL SKILLS
Counseling and Training
240 N. Washington Blvd., Suite 307, Sarasota, Florida 34236
phone: (941) 241-2810
email: Info@relationalskills.org
website: relationalskills.org
About SRQ Business Spotlight
Tell us YOUR small business success story for a chance to be featured in the SRQ business spotlight!
In this project, Sylwia Ok Photography highlights small businesses in the SRQ area. If you are a business owner and would like to have your business featured here on the blog and on social media, contact me through this form, and let’s talk about your own Business Spotlight!
