FAQs About the PREPARE-ENRICH Program: Updated

I often get asked the same questions about the Prepare-Enrich program. Here are answers for the most frequently asked ones.

I'll preface this by stating that I strongly believe in the program and the science on which it is based. By asking my couples directly about the value of, I've found that every couple that I've used it with so far has found some value in it!

Overall, I think it's a great way to examine and strengthen all areas of your relationship, especially in preparation for marriage.

Considering using it for your relationship? Read on to get a brief overview!

What is Prepare-Enrich?

PREPARE-ENRICH is a program designed for marriage preparation (for engaged couples or those thinking about marriage) and marriage enrichment (for couples who are already married).

How does it work?

The real program can only be accessed through a trained Prepare-Enrich facilitator.

As a trained facilitator for the program, I always recommend an initial assessment session of couples therapy to discuss your relationship and if the program is appropriate for your relationship. (It may not be appropriate if you and your partner have serious relationship problems to work through that need lots of in depth attention.)

If the program is a good fit, you have the option of starting it with me during session #2. If it is not, you have the option of starting traditional couples therapy at session #2.

After the assessment session, couples who decide to do the program begin by taking an online assessment at home which takes most people about 30 minutes. Then, your results are sent to me via email.

Once I receive the results, I prepare your personalized couples' report and review the results of it with you during our sessions.

Each session consists of reviewing the results in select areas and completing program activities which you will receive in your couples workbook.

And in between sessions, there is usually homework for you and your partner to complete before returning.

How much does it cost?

The cost for the program is my standard session fee plus a one-time $35 program fee. This is paid when you take the online assessment at home directly to the company which administers the assessment.

This covers the report fee for both you and your partner and can be paid by credit card.

How long does it take to complete?

The full program can be done in 8 standard sessions with me (50-minutes each).  In total, I encourage couples to plan for 9 sessions (1 assessment session + 8 program sessions).

I recommend that couples start with an initial assessment session (a non-program session), and then begin the program at session #2 if we deem that it would be a good fit for you.

Some couples also opt to schedule a follow-up session 1-3 months following their completion of the program.

The program seems to work best for couples who are getting married within the next 6-12 months, or who have just recently married. However, many couples do the program right before their wedding.

If you are on a tight time frame, we can discuss possibly condensing the program to fewer than 8 sessions (e.g., 5-6 extended sessions). Or you can opt to begin it before your wedding and complete the remaining sessions a few weeks after it.

Most all of the couples I have worked with have found it useful and choose to complete the full program.

Other questions?

Should you find yourself considering the program for you and your partner, please don't hesitate to contact me.

It is a great program but not appropriate for everyone.  There are some cases in which there are very serious relationship issues that need to be addressed with traditional couples therapy.

I have found that Prepare-Enrich works best for couples who are about to get married or in their first couple of years of marriage.  This is when relationship patterns are being established.

However, couples who have been married for several years or decades have found it useful as well.

To get started, request your FREE therapy consultation...