Continuing Education Course: Working with Premarital Couples (2 CEs)

Course Description: The demand for premarital counseling in psychological settings is increasing. More and more couples are seeking out mental health providers in particular to provide these services, rather than religious leaders as they have in the past. Premarital counseling is distinct from couples therapy in the structure of the intervention, the couples’ presentation, and the unique combination of both directedness and open reflection. Many couples therapists are interested in working with these excited, highly motivated couples, yet are unfamiliar with premarital topics and how to structure and direct these types of sessions. This 120-minute course consists of lectures and discussions guiding couples therapists in working with premarital couples. The focus will be on important premarital discussion topics, essential couple skill-building areas, and tips for therapy structure will be discussed.

Location, Date & Time: Virtual (via Zoom), Thursday June 20, 2024, 12pm-2pm

Teaching Methods: This educational activity will include a research-informed lecture portion, group discussions, and question-and-answer sessions to promote clarity and retention of educational material.

Learning Objectives: By attending this course, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify the differences between the structure of couples therapy and premarital counseling
2. Develop a greater understanding of the goals of premarital counseling
3. Identify common premarital issues
4. Develop a basic knowledge of the common topic areas discussed in premarital counseling
5. Identify common skill-building areas for couples to learn as they prepare to deepen their commitment
6. Develop the ability to teach these skills to couples by employing them while discussing premarital topics

Costs, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies: The fee for this course will be $40 for the 2 hour course. Refunds will be provided for cancellations made in writing up to 3 business days prior to the start of the event.

Length of Course in Contact Hours: 120 min (2 CE)

Presenter: Annabelle M. Seife, Ph.D.

Qualifications: Dr. Seife is a licensed clinical psychologist, couples therapy specialist and supervising psychologist at Therapists of New York, a group private practice in Manhattan. In clinical practice, Dr. Seife has developed a specialty working with couples in the premarital period, who are either engaged or contemplating engagement. Dr. Seife is also the founder and facilitator of Before the Leap, a premarital couples workshop that is held in a group format. Dr. Seife has appeared on several podcasts to discuss the value of premarital counseling, and the unique role psychologists play in preparing couples for the next stage of their relationship.