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Local doctor offers Valentine’s special
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@acnpapers.com
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, one local business will give couples the opportunity to strengthen their relationships.
Lewisville’s Joyful Life Institute is giving free couples’ check-up interviews from Feb. 1-14 in observance of Valentine’s Day. The check-ups are part of the institute’s educational campaign designed to prevent relationship breakdowns by helping couples routinely examine their relationships. The institute is now accepting appointments for the free check-ups.
“During the interview, we will talk about strengths and growth areas for the couple’s relationship. We will give tools and referrals for improvements,” said Dr. Michelle Richards, a therapist at Joyful Life. “This is the first time I have offered this program under Joyful Life, but I have offered it before at my previous jobs. I would recommend it for any type of couple relationship including married couples, couples who are dating and gay/lesbian couples. This is very helpful. We talk about basic things that occur with couples including likes and dislikes, conflict style, communication style and financial issues.”
“During the interview we will ask questions about the couple’s relationship. Then they will get a report about their relationship,” Richards said. “I will complete most of the interviews myself. Some will be completed by my intern, who is a master’s candidate, but I will be supervising her work.”
The couple’s report will be based on the online inventory and the interview. During one-hour evaluation interviews, the therapists will give suggested exercises for improvement, a 10-page, color report and referrals, if necessary.
“The report given has colored charts, is easy to read and will immediately show any discrepancies and similarities the couple has,” Richards said. “The interview will be upbeat and fun. I believe that if knowledge is power, then through this they will gain powerful knowledge about their relationship. Those who examine their relationship have a better chance of making any necessary adjustments.”
Richards has a doctorate in child family development with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. She saw her first client in 1989, and has been licensed in Texas since 1999. Prior to her work with the institute, Richards taught at a local university.
“These interviews are usually really fun for the couples. Most people come in wanting a good experience and that’s what we give them,” Richards said. “They will leave knowing where they have areas of difficulty and be given helpful exercises. When I’ve done this program in the past, the couples have responded very positively. They come out finding that they have more strengths than they realize.”
The Joyful Life Institute is located at 105 Kathryn Drive suite 400. The agency offers counseling, life/relationship coaching, seminars and education. The institute works with all kinds of clients, but specializes in couple’s needing intensive counseling.
“I believe that I am skilled at working with high-conflict couples. I’ve worked with clients who have experienced past traumas and violence in relationships, but I take on all types of couples,” Richards said. “This assessment is only a one-hour commitment, but it can show couples how to fix problem areas.”
Interested couples should telephone 972-906-5607 for to schedule a check-up meeting. Richards said couples should call soon to secure a time slot as they will fill-up quickly. Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For information visit www.joyfullifeinstitute.com.
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