Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott have not had the easiest time in recent years, and their relationship has paid the price.
The good news is that Tori and Dean are finally fixing their marriage — and it’s made a world of difference.
And the fact that they’ve entered marriage counseling is only part of the solution.
An inside source spoke extensively with Entertainment Tonight about Tori and Dean’s relationship and how much it’s changed in just a few months.
The insider shares that the two of them have "started counseling" in order to mend the strained elements of their union.
"Tori and Dean are very much in love," the source explains. "And have dedicated themselves to improving their marriage."
That sounds like what is best for them and for their many, many children.
"They built a family together," the source continues. "And plan on raising their kids as a team."
Last March, unfortunately, there was a frightening incident — and Dean felt that he had no choice but to call the police.
"They realized things got completely out of hand when their blowout fights became very public," the insider shares.
Hey, whatever works as a wakeup call.
"As painful as that period has been in their life," the source continues. "It was also very eye-opening for them."
Sometimes, you have to hit rock bottom to realize how far you’ve fallen.
Ever the optimists, the two of them have decided to put a positive spin on an otherwise frightening incident.
"Tori and Dean see Tori’s experience as a nervous breakthrough rather than a nervous breakdown," the insider reveals.
You know what? That’s actually kind of beautiful. So long as they don’t forget to take mental health seriously.
"Because," the source explains. "It led them back to the right path and a healthier life together."
If it works, it works.
Apparently what prompted them to redouble their efforts to patch things up was staring into the potential abyss that would come with a divorce.
"They both looked at what they were giving up by losing one another," the insider describes.
Whatever they foresaw of their potentially single futures, it was clearly not a pretty picture.
"And," the source continues. "Were willing and ready to do what it takes to make their relationship work."
Good for them!
It sounds like things have really turned around over the past several months.
Perserverance pays off.
"They started counseling again," the insider confirms. "And turned everything around."
"They realized that most of their stress stemmed from their money issues," the source says.
We think that literally everyone else who knows anything about the couple could have said that a long time ago.
"They’re now working closely with an accountant to help fix their financial situation," the insider assures ET. "They’ve since made some big changes."
One huge change is that Dean is acting again.
Apparently, a lot of the pressure on their marriage has now "lifted" as a result.
"Their family dynamic is completely different," the source reveals.
"Tori loves Dean and wants him to have success," the insider continues. "She also wants her mother to be happy."
"She’s relied on her mother for help and her mother has always felt Dean needed to contribute," the source explains. "So this is truly a win-win situation."
Just because your mom is loaded doesn’t mean that she’s going to fund your entire family’s lifestyle — but Tori’s mom has helped out a lot.
Tori also came to terms with a huge source of stress — trying to be a nonstop parent to all five of her children without any time for self-care.
"She never gave herself a break," the insider reports.
"Now," the source is happy to say. "She’s balancing everything with the help of some extra childcare."
It sounds like both counseling and an improved financial situation have really helped.
"Having full-time help is expensive," the insider admits. "But taking care of five children on your own is close to impossible."
Then there is the subject of Tori’s career.
"Tori definitely wants to work again," the source shares. "And is considering several reality show opportunities,"
However, some of those close to her are nudging her in a different direction.
"But," the insider continues. "Her team seems to be encouraging her to go back to scripted television,"
That’s her bread and butter. It could also really help to reduce her real-life drama.
"First and foremost," the source explains. "Tori is an actress, and some of her closest friends now support the idea of returning to scripted television."
On scripted television, the show’s not all about you, but it tends to bleed into your real life a little less.
"They feel taking some of the focus away from her personal life would be helpful," the insider concludes. "And she is beginning to warm up to the idea."
Well that is definitely exciting. More job opportunities and fewer 9-1-1 calls are at least part of a recipe for a happy, healhty marriage.