Building a Strong Foundation
Prepare Enrich
PREPARE/ENRICH is a research-based, customizable assessment and counseling program designed to help couples at any stage of their relationship—dating, engaged, or married—gain deeper insight into their strengths and areas for growth. It is not a form of psychotherapy in itself, but rather a structured tool used by trained Facilitators (who may be therapists, counselors, or clergy) to guide productive, skill-building conversations.
Who Created PREPARE/ENRICH?
PREPARE/ENRICH was founded and developed in 1980 by family science pioneer Dr. David Olson and his wife, Karen Olson. Dr. Olson developed the methodology after connecting family theory and clinical practice. It is rooted in decades of empirical research, particularly the FACES (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale) model, and has become one of the most widely used and scientifically validated relationship assessment tools worldwide.
Perspectives in PREPARE/ENRICH
The Facilitator's Perspective
The Facilitator's role is that of a coach and educator. Their perspective is strengths-based and objective.
Strengths-Based: They view the couple's existing assets (e.g., areas where they agree or already communicate well) as the foundation for growth in other areas.
Data-Driven: The Facilitator uses the personalized assessment report as a roadmap. This report provides objective data on the couple's dynamics, allowing the sessions to be highly efficient and focused on specific areas identified by the tool (e.g., conflict resolution, financial attitudes, personality differences).
Skill-Building: The facilitator's goal is to move beyond mere discussion to actively teach the couple skills—such as active listening, assertiveness, and compromise—necessary to navigate future challenges successfully.
The Couple's Perspective
The couple shifts from approaching the relationship blindly or solely based on feelings to using data and structure to understand each other better.
Self-Discovery: Each partner gains a clear, personalized look at their own personality, stress profile, and relationship expectations, often revealing blind spots.
Relationship Clarity: They learn exactly where they are aligned (strengths) and where their differences are most significant (growth areas). The goal is not to eliminate differences but to learn to understand and negotiate them effectively.
Proactive Approach: The experience is framed as a relationship check-up or investment, empowering them to proactively address potential "sticky points" before they become major problems.
What to Expect in a PREPARE/ENRICH Session
The process is structured around an online assessment followed by a series of structured feedback sessions.
Online Assessment: Each partner independently completes a comprehensive, confidential online questionnaire (typically 30–60 minutes). The assessment is tailored to the couple's stage (dating, engaged, married, or parenting) and demographics (e.g., military, faith background). It covers 12 core areas, including Communication, Conflict Resolution, Finances, Roles, Intimacy, and Family of Origin.
Facilitator Report: A detailed report is generated, highlighting the couple's satisfaction, alignment, and specific strengths and growth areas.
Feedback Sessions (Typically 4-8): The Facilitator reviews the report page-by-page, guiding the couple through specific topics. Sessions involve:
Unpacking the Results: Discussing discrepancies and areas of concern in a safe, neutral setting.
Skill-Building Exercises: Using the accompanying Workbook for Couples to practice new skills, such as learning the Ten Step Model for Conflict Resolution or practicing the Assertiveness and Active Listening exercises.
Homework: Couples are often given specific exercises to practice between sessions.
How PREPARE/ENRICH Can Help a Person
The program is a powerful tool for relationship maintenance and strengthening:
Reduces Divorce Risk: Research suggests that couples who participate in premarital education programs, like PREPARE/ENRICH, have significantly lower divorce rates (Stanley et al., 2006).
Enhances Communication: It provides concrete tools and practice to shift from critical, ineffective communication to healthy, supportive dialogue.
Aligns Expectations: By explicitly discussing key areas like finances, roles, and parenting before crises occur, it helps couples establish realistic expectations and common goals for their future.
Capitalizes on Strengths: It helps the couple recognize and utilize the positive areas of their relationship to fuel success in their growth areas.
Common Uses and Applications
PREPARE/ENRICH is classified as a psycho-educational program rather than a clinical treatment for DSM-5 disorders. It is primarily used for relationship problems and life transitions:
Premarital Counseling (PREPARE): The most common use, fulfilling requirements for marriage licenses in many states.
Marriage Enrichment (ENRICH): Used by married couples to maintain relationship health or navigate specific challenges (e.g., the transition to parenthood).
Parenting/Blended Family Issues: Specialized versions address dynamics related to raising children and integrating step-families.
Stress and Life Transitions: Helps couples manage stress and adjust to major changes like career shifts, retirement, or moving.
Ready to Invest in Your Relationship?
If you are ready to build a strong, resilient partnership based on understanding and shared skills, the PREPARE/ENRICH program is your blueprint.
Book with a PREPARE/ENRICH clinician!
