What are the stages of PREPARE/ENRICH relationship counselling?

1. Each member of the couple completes an online questionnaire covering all aspects of a relationship.
2. The questionnaire is analyzed by comparing the couple’s answers to each other, and to the most recent research in marital and pre-marital counselling. A comprehensive report is generated identifying the couple’s strengths and growth areas, their major stressors, and the effectiveness of their communication and conflict-resolution skills.
3. A PREPARE/ENRICH-trained professional counsellor interprets the report for the couple.
4. During three or more feedback sessions, their PREPARE/ENRICH-trained professional counsellor guides the couple through six exercises 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 balanced relationship using the Couple and Family Maps
   • Understand personality differences and maximize teamwork

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:

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

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.

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?

Professionals. We recommend that everyone interested in being trained attend a one day seminar and obtain the self training package to 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 a local professional counselor/clergy 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.