In 1987 The Family Life Centre secured the Agency for a series of Unique Programmes for Marriage Preparation and Enrichment

Developed by Dr David Olson and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, USA, this aims to strengthen relationships and and the quality of family life. This programme has been used extensively by various religious organizations, Social Workers and Psychologists in private practice.

 

The Family Life Centre believes that families are the fabric of our society and that a healthy marriage is the essence of a healthy family.

Building a successful marriage takes time and starts before a couple get married. It then requires constant attention and steadfast commitment.

Understanding the expectations of both partners and how behaviour affects the relationship is essential to building a firm foundation.

The Family Life Centre has the South African agency for a series of programmes developed by Dr David Olson and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, USA, which aims to strengthen relationships and and the quality of family life.

The programmes start with the couple completing a detailed questionnaire about their relationship. A report is generated from this questionnaire and this forms the basis of discussion with a trained counsellor and creates awareness and imparts skills to help the couple plan for a marriage that lasts for a lifetime. It is being actively used throughout the world in private practice and through religious organisations. Details and statistics are available through the Dr David Olson's website, ie www.lifeinnovations.com.

 

Programmes to suit couples at all stages of life

• PREPARE is for pre-marital couples wanting to explore and strengthen their growing relationship.
• PREPARE CC is for couples who have lived together for more than 1 year.
• PREPARE MC is for couples with children who wish to focus on step parenting.
• ENRICH is for married couples or couples living together wanting to enhance their existing relationship.
• MATE is for more mature couples (over 50) who are experiencing changes in their lives and require assistance.

 

Goals of the Programme

The structured course covers six key relationship areas:

• Exploring strengths and growth areas
• Improving communication skills
• Resolving conflict
• Exploring family-of-origin issues
• Preparing budgets and financial plans
• Developing personal, couple and family goals.

 

How the Programme Works

• The programme usually involves four counselling/coaching sessions of approximately one hour each.
• During the first session, the couple individually complete a questionnaire covering the basic areas of their relationship, e.g.:
  • Marriage Expectations (Prepare, Prepare MC, Prepare CC)
  • Marriage Satisfaction (Enrich/Mate)
  • Personality Issues
  • Communication and Assertiveness
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Financial Management
  • Leisure Activities
  • Sexual Expectations/Relationship
  • Family and Friends
  • Relationship Roles
  • Spiritual Beliefs
  The questionnaire also collects information on the family-of-origin dynamics of the couple.
• A computerised report is compiled from this information and is used by the counsellor to focus the discussions during the subsequent three counselling sessions.
• Skills are incorporated to enhance communication, handle conflict, deal with financial planning and to set couple goals.
• The report is a powerful tool in all forms of marriage counselling and may be used by specially trained professionals for this purpose.

 

 

Thus the PREPARE/ENRICH programmes offered by The Family Life Centre give couples the opportunity to assess their relationship, acknowledge the strengths and growth areas and learn skills to manage issues. Couples will hopefully adjust more easily to the challenges of living together and learn how to:

• Acknowledge and handle hostility – It is natural to feel anger and hostility at times but it is important to acknowledge your feelings and address them in a constructive way.
• Tolerate minor imperfections and differences – It is true that no two people are alike. Learning to be understanding, accepting and learning to view differences as a strength will enhance a relationship.
• Understand families of origin – Marriage or living together involves a merging of two different families and backgrounds. It is important to explore/share the expectations and differences from both backgrounds to create tolerance and understanding.
• Communicate honestly and clearly – Patterns and styles of communication need to be acknowledged.
• Listen to each other with respect – This is a skill that is basic to keeping a relationship strong.
• Sharing thoughts and feelings – No matter how much love there is in a relationship, it is not possible to mind read. Learning to be assertive and honest is imperative.

 

Booking for the Programmes

Trained counsellors at The Family Life Centre in Parkwood, Johannesburg and some other FAMSA societies offer the programme. It is also offered by counsellors in the community both in private practice as well as those affiliated to a variety of religious institutions.

 

Cost of Services

The Family Life Centre charges a fee for all counselling services. While fees are negotiable, Family Life Centre never turns anyone away.

 

Click link below to read more about our Marriage Enrichment and Marriage Preparation Counsellor Training

• Marriage Enrichment and Marriage Preparation Counsellor Training (*.pdf)