Marriage Preparation Seminar

This five-week Marriage Preparation Seminar for couples is offered in two locations:  Seattle  and Bellevue.  It is led by Sebastian Perumbilly, PhD, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Samaritan. 

OUR SPRING SEMINAR
BEGINS IN APRIL

BELLEVUE: Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. Meets at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue (1717 Bellevue Way NE) on April 5,12,19, 26 and May 10, with a 6th session for remarrying couples with children on May 17.

SEATTLE: Saturday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Meets at Samaritan's main office (564 NE Ravenna Blvd.) on April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 12, with a 6th session for remarrying couples with children on May 19.

Cost of the Seminar is $250 per couple. Groups meet for five consecutive weeks in two-hour sessions. A sixth session is offered for remarrying couples with chidren for an additional $50. For information or to register for the seminar, please contact Sebastian Perumbilly at 425-732-2678 x 327 or SPerumbilly at SamaritanPS.org.
 
WHY GO TO A MARRIAGE PREPARATION SEMINAR?
For many years, couples of all ages and religious affiliations have been referred to us by their pastors or priests, or have come simply because they heard this is a good program. They enroll in the seminar knowing that their intention and concerns about creating a successful marriage relationship will be taken seriously.
In the five weeks, couples explore how each person’s developmental trajectory as well as his or her experience in each of their families of origin play into the dynamics of their relationship. They also consider how they will balance autonomy and connection, an element that Seminar leader Sebastian Perumbilly calls “the secret ingredient of growing in intimacy.”

WHAT HAPPENS THERE?
The Marriage Preparation Seminar takes place in a comfortable, small-group setting where couples can share their experiences and expectations. Participants learn practical tools and strategies and explore the over-arching concepts that are essential in developing and sustaining resilient relationships.  Couples strengthen their communication and problem-solving skills, focusing on how they can speak their own truth, listen to each other with care, and negotiate with fairness.
Over the five weeks, they explore the relationship areas that have proven to be the most challenging for couples, including:
▪ Expressing intimacy and affection
▪ Accepting and reconciling differences
▪ Using their money, time and space well
▪ Coping with life’s inevitable changes
▪ Understanding their own family systems
▪ Balancing the complexity of work and play
▪ Living into their spirituality day-to-day

WHAT IF THIS IS A SECOND MARRIAGE?
For couples who are remarrying and have children, we offer a sixth session in which they can explore the unique challenges that stepfamilies face. The focus is on balancing two competing needs: developing and maintaining the marriage relationship and, at the same time, being a good parent.

WHAT DO COUPLES SAY ABOUT THE SEMINAR?
“I wish we’d taken the class earlier. I’d recommend it to any newly engaged couple I know.”
“We still use the exercises – many years later.”
“What was most beneficial was the chance to hear other couples at the same stage of life as we are.”
“The financial planning was helpful.”
“Talking about communication was really informative. It allowed us to see where we need to work and where our strengths are.”