WHY NOT INVEST IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

REAP THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A LONG AND HAPPY RELATIONSHIP.

Why Relationship Work Is Important

Anyone that’s ever been in a commited relationship for a long period of time can attest to the idea that relationships can be rewarding, but at times can be challenging. In fact, current divorce statistics in America estimate that about fifty percent of marraiges end up in divorce. Premarital counseling can be the most important investment in your relationship. In fact, according to the latest research, programs using Prepare/Enrich automatically reduce divorce rates and have a major positive impact on premarital couples. Therefore, a structured process of education and exploration is critical to the long-term success of a committed relationship. So why not invest in learning how to maintain a healthy, long lasting relationship?

Relationship Work Enables Couples To:

• Get to know each other better
• Learn where they differ and how to have a healthy balance with these differences
• Learn important skills to maintain and enrich the relationship
• Anticipate areas of conflict and develop plans to manage problems

The Prepare/Enrich Program by Life Innovations has been demonstrated by numerous research studies to improve marriages. The program utilizes a set of five empirically proven inventories that examine major relationship issues a couple may experience. The inventories assist with identifying couple strengths and areas of growth.
The Goals of the Prepare/Enrich Program are as follows:

1. To identify your strengths as a couple and build new ones.
2. To strengthen your communication skills including assertiveness and active listening.
3. To help you resolve disagreements using a Ten Step Model.
4. To explore your relationship and Family-of-Origin using the Couple & Family Map.
5. To develop a workable budget and a financial plan.
6. To develop your personal, couple and family goals.

My goal is to help you build a
stronger and happier relationship!!

Sources:

Marriage & Family: A Christian Journal, 2003, Vol.6, No. 4, 529-546.

Robert Oglesby, Director, Center for Youth & Family Ministry, Abilene Christian University, 242 Biblical Studies Building, Abilene, TX 79699

Wages, S. A. & Darling, C. A. (2004) Evaluation of a marriage preparation program (PREPARE) using marriage mentors. Marriage & Family Journal 7(2), 103-121.

Benefits of Attending Premarital Workshops:

• More intensive experience
• All major subject areas covered in one day versus over the course of six to eight weeks
• Structured and comprehensive approach; yet flexible to your individualized needs
• Teaches healthy strategies and tools needed to cope with the normal challenges that most couples encounter in their relationship
• Economical and Convenient
• Private issues although in a group format can remain private due to the fact that most exercises done in the group take place privately between you and your partner

*Please note that private consultation and classes are also offered. In certain cases, couples may wish to participate and reap the benefits of both.

For couples who are unable to attend a workshop or attend privately, a premarital education package that includes the following may be considered:

• A Comprehensive Couples Assessment
• A Relationship Workbook that includes structured reading and exercises

How I Work with Couples

As a certified Prepare-Enrich counselor,  I utilize the scientifically proven Prepare-Enrich Program designed by Life Innovations to help couples explore their relationship strengths and growth areas.

The following topics are discussed:

• Relationship Strength and Growth Areas
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Couple Relationship and Family-of-Origin
• Financial Management
• Intimacy and Sexuality
• Expectations and Goals
• Spiritual Beliefs
• Role Relationships and more...

What’s Included:

• A comprehensive couple’s assessment
• A couples skill building workbook
• Structured couples discussion and exercises
• Demonstrations of healthy communication and conflict resolution strategies
• Bible references (upon request only)
• A completion certificate that can be used toward a discount toward your marriage license

Workshops are held throughout the year. To obtain more information and details, feel free to call 678-318-3481 or 770-638-7145 or email nikiyaspence@solutionsoflife.com.