Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes, the video and written training cover this. I have designed this course, especially for those with training in couples work to use and implement. Your training stands you in good stead for working with marriage prep clients. You'll know what contributes to relationship breakdown and can teach your couples skills to avoid these pitfalls. The questionnaire provides you with a means of pre-assessment and is a core structure to follow to keep you on track.

If you have had training in couples dynamics, then yes, you are. If you have some training but not much experience working with couples, this is a good place to start. Follow the guidelines I've given you and use the structure of the questionnaires to keep you on track. Keep the sessions warm and focus on teaching skills in areas that seem most significant to them.

  My guideline, suggested interventions and links to resources are useful for marriage preps and are there to assist you. Integrate your own style and professional expertise to help raise their awareness and guide your couple where they most need it.

You can give the individual PDF handouts to your regular clients. The one doc toolkit is exclusively for clients who complete this course with you.

Yes, you can if they are in the early stages of a committed relationship, engaged or newlywed. What I say is, "Now that I know you both a bit better, I think you would benefit from doing my Relationship/ Marriage Prep Course because ...."

Only the purchaser is authorized to use this course. If more than one professional in your organisation wants to use this product with clients, please fill out the corporate package form to purchase the cost-saving corporate packages and then email it to me.  (Click on Corporate Package Form Button below the FAQ button)  Or I can send you this via email attachment.

I read them through and make notes of anything particular that stands out. I particularly note each of their limitations, anything they find hard to talk to each other about, any unresolved issues for example, how did they resolve their first major argument? How comfortable are they doing things apart? Sometimes they will only give you very brief answers, but as you go through more answers on the questionnaires, more of their dynamic unfolds. They are generally motivated, eager to learn and open up as they relax into the session...

 Not necessarily. You can also paraphrase their answers or paraphrase a whole section and then invite open discussion on that section. Some of the questions elicit similar answers by design. This is to help them relax into developing their responses as they move through the questionnaire. Some people give very full answers to start with, or your discussion may elicit a full response. This can mean questions further down have already been covered so you can skip by these. Don't worry if you don't cover everything. The handouts and links complete the course and back up the relationship sections included in the questionnaire.

 If you have had some training in couple dynamics, then you could deliver this course. In fact, this is a great place to start honing your skills. If you want further training to increase your confidence and understanding of couples. I would highly recommend doing the level 1 online training in the Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. You can do this online at your own pace.

If you are working with an agency, then check with them on their policy around keeping client notes. If you have your own practice, then you can keep them in a safe place. This is a good time to let your couple know that you will be there for them if ever they need help in the future. Give them the option. I say “I normally keep the marriage prep questionnaires because many couples do come back for ongoing help periodically....it could be years later.” Ask them if they are ok with that? I assure them they never leave my safekeeping and that no information is shared with 3rd parties.

A typical fee for this service is your hourly rate for couples therapy x 3 for 3 hours. Plus more for your pre-assessment time (approx 45 mins). If I agree to do Part 1 and Part 2 of the course from the get-go - this is the same in working hours as a couples intensive. I charge more for this. Check what the going rates are in your area.

Go to Paula's website below as an example of how she markets this course in New Zealand.

https://www.couplestherapynz.com/relationship-groundwork-course/ 

Yes.  There is ample material to cover more hours, and the training facilitates this.

Some people use this structure to support pre-marital counselling sessions (usually 5-6 one hourly sessions)

You can offer them a part two 2-3 hour marriage/prep course and tailor this to either:

• more psycho-education, go through the handouts and resource links in more depth to reinforce the skills needed for lasting relationships. There is more guidance plus extra resource links to support you in delivering Part 2 in the training sections.
• A mini counselling intensive where you go deeper into issues that need more focus.

You can offer them an annual or periodic booster or relationship enhancement course.

Some clients follow this with regular couples/or individual counselling sessions.

Use your imagination - this course is versatile and can be easily adapted

Be clear about what you are offering, and stay within your depth if you are offering further support.