Couples
For couples looking for marriage preparation, enrichment or support.

Training
For clergy, counsellors and others working with couples

Practitioners
For those already using Prepare Enrich inventories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals of the PREPARE/ENRICH Programme?

The programme is designed to help couples:

• Explore their relationship strengths and growth areas
• Strengthen their communication skills, including assertiveness and active listening
• Resolve their conflicts using the Ten Steps procedure
• Explore their relationship and families-of-origin issues with the Couple and Family Map
• Develop a workable budget and financial plan
• Develop their personal, couple and family goals

Each goal has an associated exercise to help the couple to attain it.

How does it work?

The couple first takes the appropriate inventory which is then scored from our office. The scoring process compares the couple's responses to each other, and highlights strengths and growth areas. A report is returned to the practitioner for use in the three or more feedback sessions. The couple receives a "Building a Strong Marriage Workbook" containing useful information and suggestions, and opportunities to complete the couple exercises.

How can I be sure my information will be kept confidential?

Practitioners and couples are identified by an assigned number, and the couple name is known only to the practitioner. There are no names on any printed material and hence it is unidentifiable.

How many different inventories are there?

There are five inventories dedicated to different important stages of a couple relationship:

• PREPARE for pre-marital couples;
• PREPARE-CC for couples living together (co-habiting), with or without children;
• PREPARE-MC for new marriages which will include step-children;
• ENRICH for married couples;
• MATE for older and middle aged couples in transition (e.g. retiring).

How are the inventories completed?

This is arranged between the practitioner and the couple. Most couples complete the inventory on paper, but there is also an online option.

Is the programme backed up by research?

A number of studies have been carried out into the effectiveness of the Prepare/Enrich programmes. See the research area of this site for more information.

Are all practitioners qualified counsellors?

Clergy and lay people, trained singly or as part of a pastoral team form the largest single group of practitioners. They are encouraged to work within a support structure and to refer couples who may need more help than they are able to offer. However, much of the work with couples is facilitation and coaching rather than counseling. Professionals in a number of other areas including counsellors are also trained.

What can a couple who wants to take the Inventory do next?

There are Practitioners throughout the UK who administer PREPARE/ENRICH Inventories. In the first instance a couple should contact the Prepare/Enrich office, who will let them know of those available in their area. They can then get in touch with a practitioner to discuss their needs and make arrangements.

How will Prepare Enrich help my work with couples?

The Prepare Enrich inventories enable those working with couples to gather relevant information about their relationship in an efficient and cost effective way. This means that the feedback sessions can be more targeted, to help the couple build on their strengths and work on areas where growth is needed. This is obviously beneficial for both the couples and the practitioner. For more information, see the Training section of this site.

How can I become practitioner?

The usual route is via a one-day workshop. These are held according to demand in various parts of the country. Individual training can also be arranged. See the Training area or contact the Prepare Enrich UK office for more information.

Is this only for the UK?

The Prepare Enrich program originated in the US and more about its history can be found on the US website. It is now operational in a number of different countries; Prepare Enrich UK is the United Kingdom licensee of the programme and has been in operation since the late 80's. The inventories have been modified from the original US versions to make them relevant to UK language and culture whilst retaining their validity.

Is there a group version of the PREPARE/ENRICH programme?

Yes, the group programme is called Growing Together. It contains the same couple exercises and the couple receive a Couple Report to use during the feedback sessions. There are some advantages to group work, including effective use of practitioner resource. Couples can be offered a follow-up session on their own if they so desire.

How many couples have taken the inventories?

Since its inception in 1980, more than 2,000,000 couples have used the inventory. In the UK thousands of couples have taken part.

How many are trained to administer the inventory?

There are hundreds of active practitioners in the United Kingdom (although not all of these work with couples outside their own circle). There are 30,000 plus in the United States and many, many more in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong and SE Asia, Sweden and several other countries.

Who developed the inventories?

Dr. David Olson, Dr David Fournier and Dr Joan Druckman.

How can I find out more?

You can contact the Prepare Enrich UK office from this website.