Just the Facts:

• Fact #1 About 50% of all first marriages end in divorce, and 20% of those divorces occur in the first two years.
  
• Fact #2 Many divorces occur partly because couples are not prepared for marriage. Most couples spend more time preparing for the wedding ceremony than for their marriage relationship. In fact, most people prepare more to obtain a driver’s license than a marriage license.
  
• Fact #3 Research indicates that the earlier a couple identifies their strengths and differences and learn practical skills - talking, listening, and conflict-resolving skills - for dealing collaboratively with life's issues, the better their chances are for building a satisfying, viable, and lasting relationship.

OPTION I - COMPLETE PREMARITAL SYSTEM
The Complete Premarital System is a wonderful marriage education plan for couples getting married. It consists of three parts: 1) Assessment; 2) Education; 3) One Year Follow-Up. There are six premarital sessions and four follow-up sessions (10 sessions for the entire program).

Premarital Assessment The assessment instrument of 165 questions examines your strength and growth areas as a couple. The assessment should not be construed as a "test" in that it does not determine whether you are compatible as a couple. Instead, the assessment focuses on where you two are very similar and dissimilar. This knowledge creates a great deal of useful information for your marriage.

Education The educational sessions are in-depth couple communications explanations and demonstrations based on the renowned Couple Communication Program. You will:

• Explore how to better understand yourself and talk about issues efficiently using the Awareness Wheel
• Apply the Listening Cycle to assist you in connecting with and understanding your partner better
• Learn how to resolve conflict collaboratively by mapping issues Expand your awareness and choices for communicating effectively is different situations

One Year Follow-Up The first year of marriage is often the most difficult. At the one year follow-up you will complete a different assessment instrument and complete four to six educational sessions discussing:

• The Relationship Map
• Collaborative Communication
• Managing Anger (Self/Partner’s)
• Phases of a Relationship

OPTION II – WONDERFUL BEGINNINGS
The Wonderful Beginning Option would include everything above with the exception of the one year follow-up. There are six sessions in this option.

OPTION III – BASIC PREMARITAL PACKAGE
The Basic Premarital Package would be comprised of four meetings. The first meeting would be completing the premarital assessment instrument discussed above. Each of the remaining three sessions is designed to be one hour in length. Isn't your marriage worth four hours of preparation?

In these sessions you will:

• Explore your relationship strength and growth areas
• Strengthen your communication skills, including assertiveness and active listening
• Resolve your conflicts using the Ten Steps Procedure
• Explore your relationship and families-of-origin issues with the Couple and Family Map
• Develop a workable budget and financial plan
• Develop your personal, couple and family goals
• Address other issues that arise

SAVE
Now, going through premarital education will not only help save your marriage - it will save you money. Texas marriage licenses are $71. For those who go through any of my premarital education programs you can save $60 off of that fee. I will give you a specific certificate for you to hand the County Clerk when applying for the license for your savings.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST?
As corny as it might sound, I do think of premarital education as an investment rather than a "cost" for beginning your marriage. Studies have shown couples who invest in premarital counseling do better in their relationship in a number of factors. The fact is, the investment you make here can provide dividends down the road. <MORE INFO>.

I take premarital education VERY seriously and hope that you do too. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about these services.