Marriage Check Up
Do you ever wonder if you and your
partner have what it takes to make it?
Do you ever worry that your latest
argument means you have serious problems in your relationship?
You take your car in for a tune up
periodically…
You see your doctor for a physical on
occasion…
Do you give the same care and attention
to your marriage?
It’s almost impossible to go a day without
hearing about the breakup of a marriage in the media, in your
community, your own neighborhood or even your own family. You’ve
heard the divorce rate for first marriages is over 50% and for
second marriages the rate is known to be higher.
Maybe you grew up in a single parent family, saw
your parents divorce and don’t want your relationship to end like
that. Maybe you’re planning your wedding and want to make sure your
relationship is strong before you say, “I do”. Maybe you’ve been
married 10 years or more, know what it’s like to weather the ups and
downs of marriage and want to find out how you can improve things
for the next 20 years. Or perhaps you’re in a second marriage and
determined to make this one last.
What is a Marriage Checkup?
A Marriage Check Up is a quick, focused look at
the strengths and challenges of your relationship. Consider it a way
of taking the temperature of your relationship to find out if a
fever is brewing that could cause problems if left unaddressed.
A Marriage Check Up consists of:
- Assessments that you and your partner
complete online and by hand. These are done separate from one
another and take about an hour.
- A one hour appointment with me where we
discuss your relationship history.
- A one hour follow-up appointment where we
review what the assessments indicate about the strengths and
challenges in your relationship, possible areas of improvement
and suggestions for enhancing your relationship.
- A written summary report you receive to
take home.
Who is a Marriage Checkup For?
Marriage Check Up is not right for everyone. If
you’re experiencing a severe crisis such as the discovery of an
affair, physical abuse, emotional abuse or substance abuse, more
intensive and immediate therapy may be appropriate.
A Marriage Check Up is for partners who want to
strengthen their relationship but aren’t exactly sure what might be
needed to accomplish that. Sometimes, one partner may want to engage
in couples therapy while the other partner is not sure. Wouldn’t it
be nice to see what it might be like to work with a relationship
professional?
If you are engaged to be married, Marriage Check
Up is for you too! What a great gift to give yourselves as you enter
your new life together. Remember, don’t just plan your wedding…plan
your marriage too! Your wedding is just one day….your marriage is
for a lifetime.
The Marriage Check Up is not therapy. It is a
professional evaluation that saves you time and expense by giving
you a detailed report on the state of your relationship. It offers
practical, specific, scientifically based feedback on a variety of
life issues that impact your relationship.
If you and your partner choose to pursue therapy
after the check up, you can elect to do so with me or I can provide
several referral options that might suit your needs.
What does a Marriage Checkup Give
You?
Sometimes people feel put off by the idea of
therapy. The Marriage Check Up gives you a glimpse at what it might
be like to address issues in your relationship without the stigma or
long term commitment sometimes associated with entering therapy.
A Marriage Check Up is a way to check in with one
another on what is working and what is not working in your
relationship and determine what steps should be taken next.
One key strategy to improving relationships is
the expression of appreciation. The Marriage Check Up gives you a
chance to look directly at your strengths and come to appreciate
what is working, express that to one another and enhance positive
feelings for one another.
What Does a Marriage Checkup Cost and
How do I Get One?
The fee for a Marriage Check Up is $325 and can
be paid by cash, check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover. To set an
appointment call 443-865-0298 or e-mail
risaganel@hotmail.com.