What Is the Philosophy Behind Marriage Prep 101?

Marriage Prep 101 is based on the latest scientific research that has identified what makes marriages succeed and fail. By teaching couples how to communicate better, resolve conflicts, avoid unhealthy relationship patterns, and build intimacy and resiliency, couples can create a relationship that will safeguard them against the inevitable strains of modern family life. Marriage Prep 101 is not affiliated with any religious organization, and couples of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to participate.

How Is the Workshop Structured?

Marriage Prep 101 is structured around seven topics, all of which have been shown to be essential to successful relationships. These topics will be presented by discussions, demonstrations, self-guided exercises and dialogues between partners. Questions and comments are encouraged but you do not have to speak in the group if you do not wish to.

After enrolling (see the above link to the "Registration" page), we suggest you take an online relationship questionnaire called RELATE that will generate information about your values, expectations, personality and family of origin experiences as well as communication and conflict resolution styles. By comparing your responses with those of your partner, you can see how similar or different you are on various issues. These findings are helpful in the workshop because they will highlight your relationship strengths and areas for growth. Your RELATE answers will be shared only between you and your partner.

If you take RELATE, you will see how each of you respond to different issues and situations. Each person will be given a workbook with excercises for you and your partner to do together. You will be taught tools and skills and given opportunities to have conversations in a positive productive manner. Marriage Prep 101 is a class, not group therapy. Michelle and Patrick are available for private 1:1 coaching throughout the workshop.

What Is the Workshop Schedule?

Marriage Prep 101 has been organized to be convenient for busy couples whose time is at a premium. We meet at the Fort Mason Center on the San Francisco waterfront near the corner of Laguna and Marina on Friday evening from 7:00 - 10:00 PM with refreshments served. The workshop continues on Saturday from 9:00 - 5:00 PM and includes continental breakfast and a catered lunch.

What You Can Expect To Learn

1. Affirm the strengths in your relationship.
2. Clarify the expectations you have for the relationship.
3. Assess your level of compatibility.
4. Understand the role of your family of origin.
5. Identify areas needing change.
6. Learn more effective relationship skills.
7. Avoid the traps of destructive interactions.
8. Enhance your emotional and sexual intimacy.
9. Manage personality and gender conflicts.
10. Create a marriage bond that instills resilience.

Testimonials From Couples

Marriage Prep 101 should be a requirement for all couples considering marriage. We especially liked the communication skills, the focus on how to resolve conflicts and the emphasis on enhancing the strengths in our relationship. - L.C., San Jose, CA

Two thumbs up! Essential for relationships. We ABSOLUTELY recommend Marriage Prep 101 for all couples. - D.W., San Francisco, CA

Wonderful, insightful workshop. Great presentation, ideas and exercises. Thank you! - P.T., Napa, CA

The Gannons make a very dynamic teaching team. Great chemistry. We really liked the personal examples they shared from their relationship and all of the exercises. - B.Y., San Francisco, CA

Marriage Prep 101 offers a thoughtful and practical approach to building the passion of early marriage into a durable partnership. I'm confident my marriage will be a better union because of the skills taught by Michelle and Patrick. - R.W., Marin, CA

Marriage Prep 101 created a task-oriented forum for us to work through issues with the great techniques and solutions that they taught us. - S. W., San Francisco, CA

Marriage Prep 101 is a fabulous workshop which provided us with excellent tools for a long and happy marriage. - J.L., San Jose

The Gannons possess a gold mine of experience and knowledge and present the workshop in a compassionate, non-threatening way. We will share wonderful memories of the weekend and will toast to you both down the road as contributors to a long, healthy and rewarding relationship. Thanks again! -S.C., San Francisco, CA