What are the major goals of the Customized PREPARE/ENRICH Program?

There are six goals and six couple exercises, one for each of the goals. The six couple exercises are designed to help couples:

• Explore strength and growth areas
• Strengthen communication skills
• Identify and manage major stressors
• Resolve conflicts using the Ten Step Model
• Develop a more balance relationship using the Couple and Family Maps
• Understand personality differences and maximize teamwork

What is the Prepare/Enrich Customized Version?

With the introduction of the Customized Version in 2009, the Inventory was revised and expanded to be more valid and comprehensive. It includes a stress assessment and expanded personality assessment which is completed by the couple online.

What do the couples receive?

The couple first takes an online customized inventory and then receives 3 or more feedback sessions with a trained Facilitator. The couple receives a Couple Workbook (25 pages) that they use for completing the couple exercises.

How many couples have taken the inventories?

Since its inception in 1980, more than 1,000,000 couples have used the inventories.

How many are trained to administer the inventory?

There are over 8,000 trained pastors/counselors/facilitators in Canada. There are also offices in 6 countries: Australia, Japan, Germany, South Africa and Sweden and the United States.

How does the Program work?

A trained facilitator administers the online inventory to the couple. Each inventory is customized for a particular couple. The completed answer sheets are scored from our office. The scoring process includes comparing the couples’ responses to each other with adjustments for idealistic distortion and national norms. A report is returned to the facilitator for use in the three or more counseling sessions. There is also a summary report which is given to the couple.

Who developed the inventories?

Dr. David Olson, Dr. David Fournier and Dr. Joan Druckman.

Who can train to use the inventories and how are they trained?

Professional Counselors and Clergy. We recommend that everyone interested in being trained attend a one day seminar where they learn how to administer and interpret the reports and offer the Customized PREPARE/ENRICH Program.

How can a couple get started with the customized PREPARE/ENRICH Program?

They should first contact their local church, synagogue, or professional counselor to see if they are using the Customized PREPARE/ENRICH Program. If they do not know a counselor who is using the inventory they can send an e-mail and we will send them a list of facilitators in their area.