MARRIAGE EMPOWERED
There is the misperception that if a couple goes to therapy or any sort of marriage seminar, it means they’re on the brink of divorce. But in reality it is a sign of strength or a vote of confidence in the relationship—that their relationship matters to them enough to work through whatever might be going on.
There is the misperception that if a couple goes to therapy or any sort of marriage seminar, it means they’re on the brink of divorce. But in reality it is a sign of strength or a vote of confidence in the relationship—that their relationship matters to them enough to work through whatever might be going on.
Because everyone struggles—nobody is immune to struggle, no marriage is immune to struggle, no matter what their lives look like on the outside—and at our core we all want the same things. Ultimately, we want to love and be loved, but often we have trouble doing that. Most times the troubles are in our expectations and perceptions.
We all have a tendency to tell a story in a particular way, which is the way we see it—but we all have blind spots. Marriage Empowered seeks to educate each spouse in identifying their individual blind spots. Giving them the tools to examine their actions, to see when they are doing something that isn’t contributing to the kind of relationship they want. Once they can see themselves engaging in those behaviours, they start to see their role in their difficulties more clearly. And that’s hopeful and liberating—because it’s something concrete that’s in this person’s power to change!
This seminar aims to empower couples intellectually, to understand why they do what they do in their relationship. We want couples to use that knowledge to change their behaviour— their reactivity, their tendency to withdraw or escalate or be easily injured, whatever it is that troubles their relationship.
FAQ - Marriage Empowered Seminar
Marriage Empowered is an interactive seminar that provides tips for all couples to help make their relationship stronger.
Couples of all backgrounds attend our workshops. Couples who already have a strong, healthy relationship, while others repair relationship damage and get back on track. We welcome all couples who want to work on making their relationship stronger.
No. While the seminar material is based on biblical principles, it is not exclusive to Christians. The event offers sound practical and applicable marriage teaching for everyone regardless of your beliefs. Our presenters teach from their own experiences in a non-threatening way.
The Marriage Empowered Seminar has eight (8) sessions that are offered over a period of eight (8) consecutive weeks. Each session will last for a minimum of ninety (90) minutes each week.
The seminar is designed to facilitate a maximum of twenty (20) couples.
You can register for the seminar at www.nepeanadventist.org
The seminar is generally free; however we politely ask each couple to donate a minimum of five (5) non-perishable food items to assist us in our support to the Barrhaven Food Cupboard.
Unfortunately, no. Though we understand the commitments of family, to keep your time away focused on you and as a courtesy to other couples, we do not allow those attending the Seminar to have any children in the Seminar or in the facility.
The Marriage Empowered Seminar is a course where you’ll be expected to do reading, writing, talking and research. Also, each week you should expect to complete approximately two hours of work outside of each session.
Yes. Couples who attend the Marriage Empowered Seminar tend to fall into two categories: enhancement and repair. We applaud couples who are wise enough to attend the workshop for enhancement purposes. Our brains are more open to new learning when we are not stressed out, and our seminar is designed with plenty of humor and romance, so enhancement couples have a terrific time while learning. Feedback from both enhancement and repair couples indicates that the couples’ workshop is very beneficial.
Unfortunately, no. Our seminar is specifically designed to be interactive and experiential for couples only.