Michelle Wangler Joy, MFT is the leader of Marriage Prep 101 Classes at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco along with her husband, Dan Joy.
www.MarriagePrep101.com
What Is Marriage Prep 101?
Marriage Prep 101 is a comprehensive 10-hour workshop for engaged, newlywed and seriously dating couples designed to prepare you for a lifelong relationship by building on your strengths and teaching essential relationship insights and skills. Inspiring, helpful, positive and fun.
What Is the Philosophy Behind Marriage Prep 101?
Marriage Prep 101 is based on the latest scientific research that has identified what makes marriages succeed and fail. By teaching couples how to communicate better, resolve conflicts, avoid unhealthy relationship patterns, and build intimacy and resiliency, couples can create a relationship that will safeguard them against the inevitable strains of modern family life. Marriage Prep 101 is not affiliated with any religious organization, and couples of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to participate.
How Is the Workshop Structured?
Marriage Prep 101 is structured around seven topics, all of which have been shown to be essential to successful relationships. These topics will be presented by discussions, demonstrations, self-guided exercises and dialogues between partners. Questions and comments are encouraged but you do not have to speak in the group if you do not wish to.
After enrolling (see the above link to the “Registration” page), we suggest you take an online relationship questionnaire called RELATE that will generate information about your values, expectations, personality and family of origin experiences as well as communication and conflict resolution styles. By comparing your responses with those of your partner, you can see how similar or different you are on various issues. These findings are helpful in the workshop because they will highlight your relationship strengths and areas for growth. Your RELATE answers will be shared only between you and your partner.
If you take RELATE, you will see how each of you respond to different issues and situations. Each person will be given a workbook with exercises for you and your partner to do together. You will be taught tools and skills, and given opportunities to have conversations in a positive productive manner. Marriage Prep 101 is a class, not group therapy. Michelle and Dan are available for private 1:1 coaching throughout the workshop.
What Is the Workshop Schedule?
Marriage Prep 101 has been organized to be convenient for busy couples whose time is at a premium. We meet at the Fort Mason Center on the San Francisco waterfront near the corner of Laguna and Marina on Friday evening from 7:00 – 10:00 PM with refreshments served. The workshop continues on Saturday from 9:00 – 5:00 PM and includes continental breakfast and a catered lunch.
What You Can Expect To Learn
- Affirm the strengths in your relationship.
- Clarify the expectations you have for the relationship.
- Assess your level of compatibility.
- Understand the role of your family of origin.
- Identify areas needing change.
- Learn more effective relationship skills.
- Avoid the traps of destructive interactions.
- Enhance your emotional and sexual intimacy.
- Manage personality and gender conflicts.
- Create a marriage bond that instills resilience
