How to Start a Marriage Enrichment Group

by Bob and Lane Powell

What makes a group a Marriage Enrichment Group?

• Small group of not more than 10 couples that commits to meet regularly over an extended period of time (at least 6 mos or more). Size somewhat determines where you want to meet: church, community center, or homes.
  
  
• No limit on age or stage of marriage – or even whether the couple is married or a committed partnership.
  
  
• Couples committed to prioritizing their couple time by attending regularly.
  
  
• Couples willing to “work on their relationship,” not just socialize.
  
  
• A commitment to confidentiality
  
  
• An element of fun

How does a Marriage Enrichment Group differ from a skills-building group?

A Marriage Enrichment Group:

• Goes beyond skills to a sense of positive regard and intentionality (goal setting)
  
  
• Provides ongoing opportunities to see positive couple interaction modeled, to practice new skills, dialog with your partner about important couple issues, and prioritize the relationship
  
  
• Provides group support, empathy, encouragement, and a sense that “nobody’s perfect” (not even the leaders)
  

What qualities of leadership do you need?

• Willingness to open own relationship to others
  
  
• Willingness to encourage and implement couple and group dialog (not just share information or handouts)
  
  
• Willingness to provide structure so that the group can meet regularly and “stay focused.”
  
  
• Determination to encourage shared leadership in the group
  

What resources are available for Marriage Enrichment Groups?

• Membership in ACME – for self and couples in the group (we always ask that couples join ACME as a way of committing and affirming the process.)
  
  
• Catron’s workbook on MEGS - " A Guide for Leaders of Ongoing Enrichment Groups"
  
  
• “Exercises for Intimacy” notebook and CD
  
  
• Leader training opportunities
  

What do you need to get started?

• Desire for a strong and growing relationship (and a belief that you CAN “work on a relationship”)
  
  
• Willingness to facilitate
  
  
• Friends to invite
  
  
• Place to meet
  
  
• Willingness to be flexible and have fun!
  

What “problems” may you encounter?

1. Couples who want/need therapy instead of enrichment
   
   

2. Lack of commitment to the group
   
   

3. Avoidance of intimacy 
   
   

4. Scheduling of meetings
   
   

5. Childcare needs (ex: Couple who brought baby to meeting)