|
that enrich and encourage healthy gay male or lesbian relationships |
|
|
|
||
| This program enriches gay male and lesbian partner relationships by exploring those areas which encourage communication and growth resulting in an enhanced and lasting relationship. |
| Who is this program for | What will you achieve | Benefits of this program | Facilitator Manual | Participant Workbook | Pricing and Ordering | About the Author | Family Life
Education Services |
The benefits of the program
Participants testify that:
"We want to have a good foundation for our relationship. The classes provided a stronger basis for our already strong relationship."
"The program allowed us to address the issues that have a direct impact on our relationship."
"I would highly recommend this program as it has helped me grow as an individual and has strengthened our relationship."
"This program has helped us as a couple grow emotionally and intellectually."
"We appreciated the group sharing, communication tools, and affirmation connecting with all topics that make a strong relationship."
"This program is needed, helpful, and a great gift of an experience."
"The workbook is in plain language, a bonus for some who have reading problems. I will use it as a resource."
Participant Workbook
The Gay Male and Lesbian Workbook can be used
by couples on their own or as part of a group program. It contains
a brief introduction to each topic area and accompanying exercises. For example,
“What are my strengths and weaknesses in managing money?” Participants write
their answers in their own book and then share with their partner. The Workbook
provides ample room to explore ideas and share them with your partner. It
provides a valuable resource for future reference.
If you have any difficult issues you are encouraged to seek professional counselling.
In a group program each participant has a Workbook which is the companion to the Facilitators Manual. This workbook is important because the couple will each have a resource for future reference. Participants find they refer to the workbooks at a later time.
Facilitators Manual
This Gay Male and Lesbian Partner Program
Facilitators Manual is designed to provide a resource for gay-positive facilitators
who have an understanding and appreciation of same gender couples, and who
wish to provide an educational couple enrichment program for them. Groups
can be organized by a religious group, community organization, or college.
The Manual is organized with information to be used by the facilitator to introduce the topic to the couples followed by exercises to be completed by the participants in their Workbook. For example: After a general introduction about patterns and styles of conflict, the couples are asked, “How were problems solved in both your family of origin and in your previous relationship?” Each participant writes notes in their workbook and then they are asked to share their insights with their partner. Their past habits influence how they will continue either with their old ways or make changes in the new relationship.
The group setting is preferred for this program as the Manual provides more detail about each topic and the group participants share their insights giving a much richer understanding of the issue. It is recommended that groups are held separately for gay male and lesbian couples.
The manual and workbook can be used in a variety of ways, either conjointly by an individual couple or in a group. The program, usually twelve hours, can be held over one day or divided into two or four parts. The format is designed to be useful to a variety of facilitating and learning styles including both urban and rural settings. The facilitators manual also outlines how to get a program started and how to advertise with samples.
|
The author, Ann Chidwick, has over 30 years experience as a family life educator. She graduated from university in Nursing and lived in Kenya where she taught family health to young women. She returned to Canada with her four children and became involved in family life education, writing and leading a variety of parenting programs. She has written and facilitated couple programs since 1980, including a manual and workbook called New Beginnings: A Remarriage Preparation Program. Ann has been happily married to Paul for over forty five years. Although she is “straight”, she has been embraced and encouraged by the gay male and lesbian communities and supported by them in writing this program. |
Links to Related Sites
| Rainbow Wedding Network | |
| Ceremonies with Choice |
Ordering
For further information or to order,
call or e-mail:
|