The Counselling Centre is offering a two-day workshop next week to teach couples relationship skills.
Susan Schlosser, family therapist at the centre, will run sessions Wednesday, 14 September and Saturday, 17 September on ‘Fighting for Your Marriage.’
The workshop is based on the internationally recognised Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program that was developed in 1991 by three US experts in marital and family studies.
Ms Schlosser is enthusiastic about the workshop.
‘There are lots of workshops based on couples and parenting principles, but PREP is based on research.
‘The founders looked at couples and how they communicated. They identified the communication patterns of couples who were successful. That’s what I liked about it – the principles in this program are based on years of research,’ said Ms Schlosser, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist.
She received training on the program in Dallas in June and is a certified PREP presenter.
‘This is the first time the PREP program will be offered here,’ she added.
The course takes a different approach to helping couples.
‘It is not necessarily therapy for couples. It is more of an educational approach.
‘It is held in an informal atmosphere so people will feel more comfortable. We want it to be fun. People don’t like to present the problems they are having in front of other couples; that can be intimidating,’ she said.
Given that Cayman is so small, some couples are concerned about the issue of privacy, she said.
‘People have asked me about confidentiality. We will have one coach for every two couples to teach communication techniques and they will be asked to stick to very neutral subjects that won’t be emotional.
‘Then they will be asked to go home and practise what they’ve learned. If couples find they are having significant problems, they can schedule individual counselling,’ she said.
During her five years as a therapist she has identified several key issues for couples.
People in a relationship face problems with communication skills, dealing with conflict, infidelity, disagreements over dealing with children and levels of commitment, she explained.
Ms Schlosser stressed that the workshop is not only for married couples, but is also helpful for people living together, engaged or in a long-term relationship.
‘There has not been very much for couples on the island. This is a time for couples to just focus on their relationship and enhance their relationship.
‘PREP focuses on preventative measures so you feel confident and have the skills to deal with problems as they arise,’ Ms Schlosser said.
Space for the upcoming sessions is limited to about 10 couples, she said, but she hopes to offer the workshop again in a few months.
Related Videos
