Before “I do”: Methods and components to include in effective premarital counseling.

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Description: 
 This workshop will highlight the benefits and effectiveness of helping to prepare couples who are considering marriage.  It will help them identify both strengths and barriers that will impact the quality and longevity of their relationship. Participants will be provided with an overview of the content, format and best delivery methods for premarital counseling. The role of clergy and lay persons in integrating curriculum with church guidelines for marital preparation will be explored.  Several interactive exercises to use with clients during sessions will be presented and practiced during the workshop.

Category of Education: D1.3 Practice/Education/Research

Intended Audience: 

• Students
• Psychologists
• Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors
• Clergy/Religious
• Medical professionals, M.D., P.A., Nurses

Content Learning Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

• Describe content, tools, timing and theory to utilize in creating and implementing premarital counseling.
• Identify the conflicts that most frequently cause discord and fractures in marriage and options for addressing them throughout the relationship.
• Demonstrate competency in modeling and facilitating communication and conflict resolution with couples.