Q. I think your Couples College course would be beneficial for us, but my partner is introverted and uncomfortable with the group format.
A. Your partner is in good company; many people are uncomfortable in group settings. That said, we have found that many of our clients who were hesitant at first about the group format, completed the course appreciating it as an opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.
The Couples College course is not group therapy, but rather like a continuing education course. The lecture portion of the session is conducted in a large group, and sharing is entirely voluntary. The exercises are conducted between each couple. There are opportunities to share experiences at the end of every session, but attendees are never pressured to share with other participants.
If your partner still has reservations about attending the Couples College Course, we also offer individual and couples counseling. Here is more information about the course format.
Q. What are my options if I can't convince my partner to attend the Couples College course with me?
A. First, try to explain to your partner why attending the course is important to you. Express your concerns for your relationship and what you hope to gain from attending the course together. Consider with curiosity the reasons behind your partner’s hesitancy. If you anticipate the conversation will be difficult, consider writing your partner a letter that expresses your hopes and fears about your future together. If your partner still refuses to attend the Couples College course with you, you can ask your partner if they will support you attending alone to learn how to be a better partner yourself. If you feel it would be beneficial to you or for your relationship, we also offer individual and couples counseling. [hyperlink to private counseling page]. If your partner would like to discuss their reservations about attending the course,contact us.
Q. Will private counseling be available if we get "stuck" on a particular exercise or homework assignment?
A. During the sessions, we offer one-on-one support to couples during the exercise portion of the evening, as time allows. If couples are having trouble understanding or implementing the training material, we encourage them to do a private 90-minute session. Many of our couple clients have benefited from additional private sessions over the course’s duration.
Q. How many couples usually attend the course?
A. The number of couples attending the Couples College course is limited to 20.
Q. If we are a newly committed couple and not yet having problems, does it make sense for us to attend the course?
A. Yes! The beginning of a newly committed relationship is the perfect time to learn how to navigate problems and maintain communication with your partner when “life happens.” You will be positioning yourselves to have a successful, long-term partnership!
Q. Does it make sense for a couple who has already separated or is int he process of getting a divorce to attend the course?
A. Yes! Couples who are civilly separated or going through a divorce would find the Couples College course helpful in assisting with closure and re-defining the new relationship you and your partner will have as friends and/or co-parents.
Q. Are attendees expected to do homework?
A. Yes, we do give assignments to be done in between sessions. We have found that couples who complete the homework enjoy better retention and develop a deeper competency for the work required to be a good partner.
Q. Do you provide childcare?
A. We are unable to offer childcare assistance at this time. Visitors of any kind would be a distraction to attendees and would hinder the participants’ ability to focus on the subject matter and exercises. We hope that you will honor the commitment you have made to your partnership and make childcare arrangements in advance of the classes.
Q. Are pets allowed?
A. Only documented service animals will be permitted during the course sessions.
Q. Who will be facilitating the course? Will it be the same instructors throughout the course?
A. Couples College founders Murray Dabby, LCSW and Allie Caffyn, LPC will be the only facilitators during the entire course. Learn more about Allie and Murray.
Q. Can we attend the course even if we aren't married?
A. Yes! We encourage all partners who are in any stage of their committed relationship to attend the Couples College course – married or unmarried, straight or gay, young or old.