ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Couples wanting to learn how to better communicate with their spouses and handle marital conflict will have the opportunity at the upcoming Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program weekend seminar March 27 through 29. Next month's PREP class is scheduled to be held off-base and is free for couples wanting to participate in the program.
"Good communication and conflict resolution skills are emphasized in PREP, which impacts - and improves - overall mission readiness," said Joyce Cravin, Family Advocacy outreach manager. "It equates to less time first sergeants spend resolving relationship problems or wingmen listening to personal problems versus enhancing on-the-job training skills and troops being preoccupied with interrelations problems instead of the mission."
PREP is a research-based program created by the University of Denver to teach couples how to constructively handle conflict. "When rated by couples, the top three most important contributors to a successful marriage were communication, commitment, and conflict resolution," said Connie Moore, D.C. Air National Guard Family Readiness and Support program coordinator. "Interestingly, the top three things couples say they gain by attending the PREP seminar include the ability to communicate better, a better understanding of conflict resolution, and a renewed sense of commitment to their marriage."
Next month's PREP seminar is scheduled off-base to help facilitate a reconnection between spouses. "We often teach PREP in a 'Couples Weekend Destination' format," said Ms. Moore. "Our couples' weekend includes free hotel and meals to all military couples at wonderful scenic areas with plenty of time for the couples to 'practice' what they learn." Previous locations for PREP seminars include St. Michaels, Md., the Baltimore Inner Harbor, and Sandy Cove, Md., located on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. "No matter which location we use, the end result is quality time with your significant other and working on building a better relationship," said Ms. Moore.
While the PREP seminars are designed to help couples more effectively communicate, participants are reminded that the classes are not counseling sessions. "PREP is not marriage therapy," said Ms. Moore. "It is a couples' communication skills class. It will help those who want to learn new behaviors and strengthen their relationship. It will not save a relationship without other supporting strategies."
The PREP seminar can be helpful for newlyweds, as well as those couples married for years. "When it comes to loving the most important people in our lives, no one can ever learn too much. Research shows that while therapy can be extremely helpful in certain situations, much of what goes wrong in loving relationships has much to do with never having learned the skills and principles associated with them," said Ms. Moore. "That's why PREP was developed. It is an educational program to teach couples the skills and principles they need to maintain a healthy and lasting relationship. PREP is for couples who want to make their marriage be the best it can be. It doesn't matter whether you have a newfound love or your youngest has left you with an empty nest. PREP offers you the chance to discover how to enjoy your marriage no matter where you are today or what tomorrow may bring."
The PREP seminar is open to all DoD cardholders. As childcare is not available for the weekend retreat, parents are encouraged to make their own arrangements for care. For more information or to register for the upcoming PREP seminar, call 240-857-9680.