FOCCUS
Provided by Scottish Marriage Care, FOCCUS is a relationship inventory for couples who are planning to marry or cohabit. It is based upon current knowledge about the key elements in a successful marriage and aims to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship.
The FOCCUS relationship inventory is not a pass or fail test, neither does it predict marital success or failure. Instead, FOCCUS is a supportive, helpful, positive process for couples to do before they enter into a committed relationship.
Furthermore, research shows that taking part in a pre-marriage programme such as FOCCUS can improve a couple’s communication, conflict management skills and overall relationship quality.
Step 1
On the first visit you will both meet with a FOCCUS Facilitator and be asked to complete the FOCCUS inventory separately. The questionnaire contains 189 statements about your relationship. It covers a range of topics and issues, e.g. lifestyle expectations, friends and interests, personality match, personal issues, communication, problem solving, religion and values, parenting issues, extended family issues, sexual issues, financial issues, readiness issues, dual careers.
This session lasts about one hour. You will then be given an appointment to return, usually about one to two weeks later.
Step 2
On your return visit, the FOCCUS Facilitator will have had your questionnaires processed. Questionnaires are processed in such a way as to give you an individual profile of your unique relationship. The second visit consists of a one hour confidential session with your facilitator to discuss your unique couple profile. The facilitator will work with you to look at patterns in your responses and identify positive areas in your relationship. They will also highlight issues for discussion and areas where you could work on developing the relationship.
The full FOCCUS service costs £50 per couple, you can book an appointment to meet with a FOCCUS Facilitator today.
REFOCCUS
Also provided by Scottish Marriage Care, REFOCCUS is a relationship ‘MOT’ and is specifically designed to help couples who have been in a marriage or committed relationship for 3 or more years. It can help what is running smoothly and explore any rusty areas.
REFOCCUS is centred around a pack containing a series of statements which touch at the core issues of your relationship, as well as your day to day life together. It is not meant to test or measure how ‘good’ your relationship is. It is a tool to help you structure discussion of strengths and areas for development, enabling you to move forward in a positive fashion. Both partners mark responses to the statements as “agree”, “disagree” or “uncertain”. This will develop into a guide for detailed discussion of your answers. REFOCCUS discussions should be spread out over time to provide space to reflect on the issues being discussed.
The REFOCCUS pack provides full details and instructions on how to use it and available to order from Scottish Marriage Care for £25.