Frequently Asked Questions about the PREPARE/ENRICH Program
What are the major goals of the PREPARE/ENRICH Program?
There are six goals and six couple exercises, one for each of the goals. The six couple exercises are designed to help couples:
- Explore their Relationship Strength and Growth Areas
- Strengthen their communication skills, including assertiveness and active listening
- Resolve their conflicts using the Ten Steps Procedure
- Explore their relationship & families-of-origin issues with the Couple & Family Map
- Develop a workable budget and financial plan
- Develop their personal, couple and family goals
What is Version 2000?
With the introduction of Version 2000 in 1997, the Inventories have been expanded into a couple's program with six exercises. The Inventories were also revised and expanded to be more valid and comprehensive.
What do the couples receive?
The couple first takes one of the relevant Inventories (PREPARE, PREPARE-MC, PREPARE-CC, ENRICH or MATE) and then receives 3 or more feedback sessions with a trained professional. The couple receives a Building a Strong Marriage Workbook (25 pages) that they use for completing the six couple exercises.
How many couples have taken the inventories?
Since its inception in 1980, more than 1,000,000 couples have used the inventories.
How many are trained to administer the inventory?
There are over 5,000 trained pastor/counselors in Canada. There are also offices in 6 countries: Australia, Japan, Germany, South Africa and Sweden and the United States.
What are the five inventories?
PREPARE, for premarital couples
PREPARE-MC for premarital couples with children
PREPARE-CC for premarital couples living together with or without children
ENRICH for married couples
MATE for older couples and middle-aged couples in transition.
How does the Program work?
A trained counselor administers the appropriate inventory to the couple. Each inventory has 165 items and 30 background questions. The completed answer sheets are scored from our office. The scoring process includes comparing the couples' responses to each other with adjustments for idealistic distortion and national norms. A 15 page report is returned to the counselor for use in the three or more counseling sessions. All the inventories are administered, scored and interpreted in a similar fashion.
Who developed the inventories?
Dr. David Olson, Dr. David Fournier and Dr. Joan Druckman.
When did the company start?
The inventories are a result of a research project completed at the University
of Minnesota. At the completion of the project in 1980, the demand for
the inventories was so great Dr. Olson started the companies PREPARE/ENRICH,
now called Life Innovations, Inc.
Enrich Canada, Inc. was started in 1985
Who can train to use the inventories and how are they trained?
Professional Counselors and Clergy. We recommend that everyone interested in being trained attend a daylong seminar where they learn how to administer and interpret the reports and offer the PREPARE/ENRICH Program.
Is there a group version of the PREPARE/ENRICH Program?
Yes, there is a group program for couples called Growing Together. It contains the same six couple exercises and the couple receives a Couple Report. A DVD presentation of the six couple exercises is also provided.
What can a couple do who wants to take the Program?
They should first contact their local church, synagogue, or professional counselor to see if that person is using the PREPARE/ENRICH Program. If they do not know a counselor who is using the inventory they may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the PREPARE/ENRICH Office and we can send them a list of users in their area. The PREPARE/ENRICH Office will send the person a list of professionals trained in their Province area.
