Marriage counseling goes hi-tech
Categories: Just for moms, Just for dads, Love & sex
When I was single, online matchmaking was pretty much unheard of. There were a few sites where you might hook up with another person (anyone remember Prodigy.com?), but chances were good that person wasn't actually single. Or employed. Or remotely attractive. Things have come a long way since then and online matchmaking is quite popular and for some, very successful. And now, online dating has taken the next, logical step: online marriage counseling.
Created by Les and Leslie Parrot, the same people who brought you eHarmony.com, eHarmony Marriage is a computerized program promising to help couples communicate better, rekindle romance, and resolve conflicts more compassionately. Leslie Parrott is a marriage a family therapist who says that this is the perfect solution for those who aren't quite ready for traditional counseling, but want to improve their relationship.
The program involves each partner answering an online questionnaire covering everything from finance to spirituality. The responses generate a report outlining the couple's strengths and weaknesses and a proposed marriage action plan. "It will reveal where you guys are really strong and where you will find the most benefit if you invest in this area," Parrott says.
As far as the investment, the program costs $150 and takes six to eight weeks to complete. Dr. Parrott admits that online therapy might not be the best choice for couples on the brink of divorce, but sees it as a cost-effective option for those needing to open up the lines of communication.
I tend to agree. Whether you get it from a book, a counselor's office, or online, learning to communicate better is pretty much the key to everything, right?
Created by Les and Leslie Parrot, the same people who brought you eHarmony.com, eHarmony Marriage is a computerized program promising to help couples communicate better, rekindle romance, and resolve conflicts more compassionately. Leslie Parrott is a marriage a family therapist who says that this is the perfect solution for those who aren't quite ready for traditional counseling, but want to improve their relationship.
The program involves each partner answering an online questionnaire covering everything from finance to spirituality. The responses generate a report outlining the couple's strengths and weaknesses and a proposed marriage action plan. "It will reveal where you guys are really strong and where you will find the most benefit if you invest in this area," Parrott says.
As far as the investment, the program costs $150 and takes six to eight weeks to complete. Dr. Parrott admits that online therapy might not be the best choice for couples on the brink of divorce, but sees it as a cost-effective option for those needing to open up the lines of communication.
I tend to agree. Whether you get it from a book, a counselor's office, or online, learning to communicate better is pretty much the key to everything, right?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
anthonycentore 6-30-2008 @ 12:16AM
It is true, Neil Clark Warren is retired and Parrot (Les, Anyhow) is now very involved. However, I thought the couples program was designed to be used along with marital counseling...they have been selling marriage.eharmony.com to counselors, as well as clients...
ThriveBoston.com (Thrive Boston Counseling)
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caron 7-02-2008 @ 11:02PM
I hate to admit it, but I found my fiance' on E-harmony. I never thought it would work and my parents actually convinced me to do it and paid for my membership. I am now a believer in E-harmony. I don't know if I am a believer in the online counseling program though. I'm sure it works, but why can't the couples just go to the local Barnes and Noble and buy a book?? My fiance' and I are going through a workbook called "Getting Ready for Marriage" This book has brought up so many different aspects of life that affect marriage and has facilitated open communication about these topics. Why don't people continue to do workbooks such as these after they are married? Why would people be willing to pay so much money for this program online...when they could buy an equitible product at Barnes and Noble? Maybe I'm misunderstanding? Do the counselors give real feedback?
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Marriage Counselor 7-03-2008 @ 10:46PM
Greetings,
I agree that counseling has gone high tech, I noticed recently that Dr Ellen from http://www.lightyourfire.com has gone high tech with two new blogs called http://www.lighthisfire.com and http://www.lightherfire.com which cater to specific needs of each sex. I am forever in debt to Dr Ellen for her marriage advice saved my marriage.
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