The Third Option

Created by Patricia Crane Ennis, MSW, The Third Option, is an on-going group program to build better marriages. It is designed for all married couples, and can be used both as marriage enrichment or crisis intervention. For hurting couples, who see only two options (painful endurance or divorce), The Third Option means reconciliation.

The Third Option combines skill-building workshops with sharing from mentor couples and a support group component. It is an ongoing program which emphasizes hope through support and skill building. Participants can join the program at any time.

The first time someone comes to The Third Option, they attend an orientation during the first hour. A couple who has had some marriage problems, but has worked through them, a mentor couple, shares their story of hope, explains how to get the most out of the program, and introduces the participants to some simple relationship exercises.

New participants and the mentor couple then join the main group for a mini-workshop on one of 14 topics. The workshops teach practical skills couples need in order to have a good marriage. The workshops include skits and games to make the material interesting and easy to remember.

A second mentor couple shares on the workshop topic. They talk about what mistakes they made in the past, what they learned to do, and how much more effective their new skills are in creating a satisfying marriage.

At the end of the meeting, couples receive a summary worksheet and two self-inventory questions, in preparation for the next session.

Once a couple completes the first orientation meeting, the first hour of each meeting is a support group for all participants. Mentor couples facilitate the support group, where couples share what they are learning and practicing. Successes are celebrated, and frustrations are resolved in an atmosphere of mutual support to create healthy marriages.

There are fourteen mini-workshops, which teach relationship skills:

Couples consistently report that their participation in The Third Option program greatly helped good relationships get better, and hurting relationships heal.

If you are interested in starting The Third Option program in your church or group, then contact the CCC center closest to you. Our marriage education trainers are ready to help you get started.