PREPARE/ENRICH was created over 30 years ago and has solidified it’s place as the leading premarital inventory in the United States. Revised and updated five times since 1980, there are now over 85,000 trained facilitators using the program in the U.S.
Approximately 5 years ago, however, Life Innovations introduced another assessment tool called the Couple Checkup. It is not uncommon for facilitators to be confused by this new inventory, and they are not sure of the differences between the two. As we’ve conducted trainings around the country, I’ve begun to explain the differences between the two by using the analogy of a prescription strength versus an over the counter assessment tool.
PREPARE/ENRICH = Prescription Strength
Just like certain medications, which require a prescription from a doctor, PREPARE/ENRICH can only be accessed through a trained facilitator. Facilitators register couples to take their inventory, and facilitators receive all of the assessment results in their online account. Couples must meet with their facilitator to get feedback and go through several couple exercises designed to teach proven relationship skills. PREPARE/ENRICH is more in-depth and does not shy away from difficult topics such as abuse, substance abuse, and pornography. Click here for a brief video overview (3 minutes) of the Customized Version of PREPARE/ENRICH.
Couple Checkup = Over the Counter
The Couple Checkup, however, can be accessed directly by couples. It is found at www.couplecheckup.com and any couple (18 or older) can create their own account, complete the assessment, and gain immediate access to their results and a Discussion Guide. The Couple Checkup report is designed to be comprehensive, but understandable and user-friendly for someone who’s not been trained to use an inventory. The assessment is about 30% shorter than PREPARE/ENRICH and does not delve into issues which might overwhelm or confuse couples. Still, the core content is taken from the research-based PREPARE/ENRICH inventory and studies have already demonstrated significant improvements for couples who take the Checkup on their own, or as part of a group program.
Because it requires less administrative oversight, facilitators gravitate towards the Couple Checkup when leading a group or conducting an enrichment campaign for married couples. Click here to see how easy it is for couples to set up their own Checkup account.
Great way to describe…thanks