OurRelationship Program Overview
The OurRelationship program is a comprehensive, evidence-based online solution designed to help couples and individuals strengthen and improve their relationships. Here are the key aspects, features, and functionality of the program:
Purpose and Goals
OurRelationship aims to assist couples in identifying, understanding, and solving relationship issues through a structured and supportive online environment. The program is built on the Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) model, which has been proven effective in enhancing communication, regaining emotional closeness, and rebuilding trust.Key Features
Phased Approach
The program is divided into three mandatory phases and one optional phase:- Observe Phase: Couples identify core relationship issues, rate their relationship satisfaction, and select pleasurable activities to enhance their relationship. They use a speaker-listener structure to discuss these issues.
- Understand Phase: Couples develop a deeper understanding of their core issues using the DEEP model, which considers Differences, Emotional sensitivities, External circumstances, and Patterns of communication. This phase helps couples conceptualize their issues without blame.
- Respond Phase: Couples learn to make concrete behavioral changes to address their core issues. They focus on acceptance, self-change, and specific behavioral modifications. The program guides them through problem-solving conversations to agree on changes.
- Strengthen Phase (Optional): This phase allows couples to review their progress, re-evaluate changes, select new issues to work on, or engage in guided conversations on any topic using speaker-listener or problem-solving structures.
Flexibility and Accessibility
The program is highly flexible, allowing participants to complete activities at their own pace using a phone, computer, or tablet. Military couples, in particular, can access the program even when deployed or in long-distance relationships. Participants can choose to work through the program with or without the support of a coach, with the option for brief, weekly coach calls.Tailored Content
OurRelationship offers tailored content and activities for different types of couples, including heterosexual couples, same-gender couples, and military and veteran couples. This ensures that the program addresses the unique challenges and needs of each group.Evidence-Based and Research-Backed
The program is backed by extensive research and has been funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It has helped over 5,000 people improve their relationships, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world applications.Additional Resources
Participants have access to various resources, including video transcripts, tips on speaking and listening skills, and guidelines for overcoming challenges in implementing changes. The program also integrates well with standard couple therapy practices, allowing for some face-to-face sessions to be replaced with online activities.Benefits and Support
- Confidentiality: The program is fully confidential, ensuring privacy for all participants.
- 24/7 Access: Military couples can access the program 24/7/365, making it convenient for those with varied schedules.
- Free for Military Couples: The program is free for active-duty, National Guard, and reserve couples up to 365 days after separation or retirement.