The mindsets establish the beliefs needed for marital success.

1.        Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it matters.

• Couples will shift their mindset from avoiding conflict to seeing it as an opportunity for mutual understanding and growth (Gottman & Gottman, 2024).

2.        Emotional intelligence strengthens marital connections.

• Healthy couples are attuned to each other’s emotions, can recognize and regulate emotions effectively, and share deep empathy and trust (Gottman & Silver, 2015).

3.        Happy marriages are based on deep friendship and require intentional effort.

• Healthy couples know each other intimately, including likes, dislikes, hopes, and dreams (Gottman & Silver, 2015).

• Love is maintained through consistent “mini-moments” of connection (Gottman & Silver, 2015).

Behaviors (Skills and Actions)

The behaviors ensure practical actions that reinforce core beliefs and attitudes.

1.        Communication and Conflict Resolution:

• Recognize and replace destructive conflict patterns (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling).

• Use “I” statements to express needs without blame.

• Practice soft start-ups when discussing difficult topics to prevent defensive reactions.

• Increase repair attempts (apologies, humor, affectionate gestures) to de-escalate conflict.

2.        Emotional Intelligence:

• Identify and manage personal emotional triggers to avoid escalating conflicts.

• Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm and present in heated discussions.

• Validate a partner’s emotions even when disagreeing.

3.        Relationship Maintenance & Growth:

• Engage in daily rituals of connection (greetings, check-ins, expressions of gratitude).

• Build and update love maps (knowing a partner’s inner world, dreams, and stressors).

• Create shared goals and traditions to strengthen commitment and long-term unity.

• Personal Invitations and Emails – Directly reach out to young marriage couples who may benefit from the group.  The Email will contain an overview of the program, learning objectives, and session details.

• Referrals from Counselors and Pastoral Staff – Partner with church leaders, marriage mentors, and counselors to identify couples in need of structured marriage support.

2.        Printed and Digital Distribution

• Flyers & Brochures – Distribute materials at churches, community centers, counseling offices, and coffee shops where young couples frequent.

• Social Media Sharing – Utilize Facebook and Instagram to reach young couples looking for support.

• Priority will be given to couples who:

• Are in the early years of marriage (0-5 years)

• Express Interest and commitment (Individual Pre-Group Screening Questions)

• Complete Prepare/Enrich (P/E) assessment (n.d.) and P/E assessment indicates communication and/or conflict management are growth or potential growth areas

Readiness indicators

• Open to learning and growth

• Willing to share and participate within personal comfort levels

• Commitment to attending all sessions

Informing Potential Participants

• Initial Contact – Interested couples will receive an informational email with program details, objectives, expectations, and commitment requirements.

• Group Overview Session (Optional) – A brief virtual or in-person Q&A session may be offered to address questions and clarify the group’s purpose.

• Written Agreement – Couples will review and sign a participant agreement, outlining confidentiality, participation expectations, and group guidelines.

Assessing Readiness, Willingness, and Interest

Individual Pre-Group Screening Questions:

• Why are you interested in the group?

• Are you committed to attending and participating?

• Do you have any concerns about discussing relationship topics in a group setting?

• What do you hope to gain from participating in this group?

Pre-Group Screening (Couples)

Couples who pass the first three levels of the selection criteria will complete the P/E assessment as a couple.  P/E is a research-based relationship assessment tool designed to help couples strengthen their marriage by identifying strengths and growth areas.  It is commonly used in premarital counseling, marriage enrichment, and relationship coaching.

• Explanation of group purpose, structure, and expectations

• Confidentiality guidelines and limitations (e.g., reporting requirements for abuse, harm)

• Voluntary participation & right to withdraw

• Potential risks and benefits of participation

There will be four predetermined ground rules for the group. During the first session, participants will have the opportunity to contribute additional ground rules that they believe will support a healthy group environment.

These ground rules will be published on a poster board for all participants to see after the first session.

1.        Building Relationships & Trust:

• Begin with introductions and an icebreaker activity to encourage connection.

• Share my role as the facilitator, including my support and nonjudgmental stance.

• Foster a welcoming and safe environment by modeling vulnerability and active listening.

2.        Establishing Group Norms:

• Introduce ground rules and co-create additional group ground rules with members to encourage shared responsibility.

• Establish expectations such as active participation, respect, and open-mindedness.

• Reinforce the importance of consistency and commitment to group sessions.

3.        Addressing Confidentiality:

• Clearly define the limits of confidentiality (e.g., harm to self, harm to others, and other legal obligations).

• Emphasize that while confidentiality is an expectation, it cannot be guaranteed outside of sessions.

• Encourage personal responsibility in protecting others’ shared experiences.

Stage 2: Storming & Norming – Maintaining Cohesion & Productivity

1.        Encouraging Cohesion & Productivity:

• Foster a culture of mutual support by encouraging members to share experiences and insights.

• Manage conflicts by addressing concerns openly and guiding members toward resolution.

• Utilize structured activities and discussion prompts to keep the group engaged.

2.        Checking In on Progress:

• Begin each session with a brief "check-in," where members share their progress on project assignments (i.e., homework).

• Use periodic evaluations to assess whether members feel the group is meeting their needs, and

• Observe nonverbal cues (e.g., withdrawal, silence, or body language) that may indicate disengagement or emotional distress.

• If a member appears to shut down, check out, or become disruptive, address it gently by:

  • Checking in with them privately after the session to offer support

  • Validating their feelings while encouraging group participation.

  • If disruption occurs, redirect energy in a positive way to reestablish group norms.

• Adjust group content and dynamics based on member feedback and observed needs.

Stage 3: Performing & Adjourning – Group Closure & Transitioning Forward

1.        Ensuring a Meaningful Closure:

• Dedicate a portion of the final session to reflection and celebration of growth (a group party or shared meal).

• Facilitate an activity where members share their biggest takeaways and personal growth.

• Have the couples develop a shared vision statement for their relationships based on the group experience.

• Acknowledge emotions around closure and validate feelings of loss or transition.

2.        Post-Group Follow-Up:

• Offer optional check-in opportunities or alumni group gatherings.

• Provide members with resources and coping strategies for continued personal growth.

• Reinforce that while the group is ending, the skills and support system they developed can continue.

3.        Reinforcing Confidentiality After Group Ends:

• Remind members that confidentiality remains an expectation even after the group concludes.

• Discuss ethical considerations around sharing group experiences with others.

• Encourage members to respect the privacy and trust built within the group.

Using Lewin’s leadership style classification, I would say this group will mainly be democratic (Cherry, 2023).  This will manifest itself in two main ways:

• Facilitative Leadership – I will guide discussions, encourage participation, and ensure that all voices are heard while allowing group members to take ownership of their growth.

• Supportive Leadership – I will create a safe and nonjudgmental environment where group members feel validated, understood, and empowered to share.

At times, I will take a more structured role if the group struggles with focus, cohesion, or addressing conflict.  Each session will include a psychoeducational component that will require a more autocratic style of leadership (Cherry, 2023) although I will strive to keep this part of the session as interactive as possible.  Perhaps the term directive leadership is more appropriate.

Why This Approach Works

• Facilitative Leadership fosters engagement and autonomy, which is crucial for young married couples learning to navigate emotional intelligence and communication.  Encouraging members to share their experiences and insights will help them build confidence in their own problem-solving skills.

• Supportive Leadership is essential in emotionally vulnerable settings, such as discussing marital struggles.  Many participants may feel hesitant to share freely, so providing a warm, empathetic presence will help them feel safe and supported.

• Directive Leadership ensures that the group stays on track and that conflicts or distractions don’t derail progress.  This approach may be necessary when setting group norms, addressing disruptive behaviors, or guiding structured exercises or psychoeducational presentations.

1.        Universality

• Group members will realize that they are not alone in their struggles with communication, emotional intelligence, and marital challenges.

• Hearing similar experiences from others can help normalize their feelings and reduce isolation.

2.        Instillation of Hope

• Members will witness others making positive changes in their relationships, inspiring confidence that they, too, can grow.

• Small successes—such as resolving a conflict using new communication skills—will reinforce optimism about their marriage.

3.        Imparting of Information

• Group members will feel empowered by the knowledge they gain concerning:

  • Gottman’s four horsemen of criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.

  • Triggers and healthy de-escalate strategies.

  • Active listening skills, such as mirroring, summarizing, and validating emotions.

  • Emotional flooding and self-soothing techniques.

  • The concept of “love maps” and emotionally intelligent communication.

  • And many other items.

4.        Interpersonal Learning

• Couples will receive constructive feedback from peers on how their words and behaviors impact their partner.

• They will have opportunities to practice and refine communication skills in a supportive environment.

5.        Catharsis

• Sharing emotions, struggles, and breakthroughs will provide emotional relief and deeper self-awareness.

• Expressing vulnerable thoughts in a safe space can help release built-up tension and frustration.

6.        Altruism

• Group members will feel empowered when they offer support, service, and encouragement to others.

• Giving advice and sharing experiences will reinforce their own growth and strengthen the sense of community.

7.        Development of Socializing Techniques

• Group members will practice healthy communication, conflict resolution, and emotional expression within the group.

• Constructive feedback from both peers and the facilitator will help refine these skills in their marriages.

8.        Group Cohesiveness

• Group members feel a sense of acceptance and emotional safety, which fosters openness to share deeply.

• A strong group bond helps group members support one another through challenges, hold each other accountable, and celebrate progress together.

By fostering these therapeutic factors, the group experience will not only provide insight and support but also promote tangible growth in relationships.

• The ASGW Best Practices Guidelines (Thomas & Pender, 2008) and ACA Code of Ethics (C.7.a.) require group leaders to use techniques and practices that are grounded in research, theory, and commonly accepted practices in the counseling profession.

• Per the ASGW Best Practices Guidelines (Thomas & Pender, 2008) and Texas Administrative Code (Title 22, Part 30, Rule §681.41), Group leaders must remain cognizant of their strengths and weaknesses and only use techniques in their areas of competence (qualifications, capabilities, background, training, experience, and education).

• The ACA Code of Ethics (A.2.c.) mandates that professional counselors use developmentally and culturally appropriate interventions while adhering to ethical standards.

How This Supports My Role as a Counselor

• I will ensure that all interventions, discussions, and exercises are based on well-established counseling theories (e.g., CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy).

• I will consistently seek supervision and training to stay current on best practices for group counseling.

• Ethical and evidence-based techniques create a safe and effective therapeutic environment, ensuring members feel supported and respected.

Legal & Ethical Concerns

• Breach of Confidentiality: If a group member shares personal information outside the group, it could result in legal consequences, especially if harm occurs due to the breach.

• Use of Harmful or Unethical Techniques: Group leaders who use experimental, unproven, or inappropriate interventions may face malpractice lawsuits.

• Failure to Screen Group Members: Not assessing a participant’s readiness for group counseling (e.g., severe trauma, psychosis, or risk of harm) may lead to liability issues if the group setting worsens their condition.

How This Supports My Role as a Counselor

• I will ensure all group members fully understand confidentiality and its limits before they participate.

• I will only use well-researched and ethical techniques that align with professional standards.

• I will carefully screen and assess potential members before admitting them into the group to ensure it is a safe and appropriate setting for them.

• I will seek regular supervision, and documentation will be maintained to:

  • Ensure ethical compliance.

  • Reduce legal risks.

Cherry, K. (2023, July 27). How to lead: 6 leadership styles and frameworks. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Gottman, J. M. (1994). What predicts divorce? Erlbaum.

Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic. W. W. Norton.

Gottman, J. S., & Gottman, J. (2024). Fight right: How successful couples turn conflict into connection. Harmony.

Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work: A practical guide from the country’s foremost relationship expert. Harmony.

Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills(8th ed.). Cengage.

Prepare/Enrich. (n.d.). Prepare/Enrich. https://www.prepare-enrich.com.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. (n.d.). Title 22, Part 30, Rule §681.41: Use of techniques in counseling. Texas Administrative Code. Retrieved from https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?$locale=en_US&interface=VIEW_TAC_SUMMARY&queryAsDate=02%2F16%2F2025&recordId=215070

Thomas, R. V., & Pender, D. A. (2008). Association for specialists in group work: Best practice guidelines 2007 revisions. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 33(2), 111–117.

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.