201: The Third Option | The Marriage School

THE THIRD OPTION

Some married couples can see only two painful options...

1. Suffering in an unhappy marriage

2. Enduring the devastation of divorce

We offer The Third Option – a practical and proven path to a healthy, functional marriage.

The Third Option is a 14-week skills-based group program that helps couples build stronger, more fulfilling marriages. Each of the weekly sessions covers a different topic on a specific skill or tool to develop better understanding, communication, trust, sensitivity, listening skills and more which create a deeper, more intimate relationship. Each topic demonstrates that we all lean towards one of two extremes that don’t work. Then, we show you the third option that does work.

An educational group where attendees learn, encourage and support each other, The Third Option is led by skilled facilitators and by couples who have overcome serious challenges in their marriages. Each session stands alone, so couples can start anytime in the cycle of topics, and catch up later if they happen to miss a week or two.

We believe in homework. Some say this is the most powerful aspect of the program. All of us have to practice what we’ve been taught in order to move from mere concept to actual skill. You will receive a set of questions for reflection on every topic (no grading, no handing in though).

The Third Option is a powerful program, but no miracle cure. To a great extent the success of the program is in your hands; this is just the honest and simple reality. It is your job to pray about, journal, meditate on, and practice - on your own and with your spouse in order to develop relationship skills. As with any new skill, failure is an important part of learning. When you fail, simply start over.

We know how full your schedules are. We also know that life itself will provide “practice opportunities”. We do however strongly suggest that you set a specific weekly time (or several) to reflect on the lesson by yourself, discuss your insights with your spouse and practice the skills together.

The two-hour program includes three important ingredients: discussion, teaching and sharing couples.

Discussion is a review of the previous week’s topic and chance to share about the homework.

You are free to share or just listen. We will never put you on the spot.
Expressing our own thoughts helps us to process and grow in awareness.
Sharing our experiences (good and bad) encourages others.
Hearing others reminds us that we are not alone and that our issues are normal.
The group is safe and everything is kept confidential.

Teaching is a presentation of the weekly topic.

The concepts are simple and yet powerful when put into practice.
Because the program repeats three times each year, you can easily make up missed topics.
Many couples attend several consecutive sessions.
Teachers rotate, so you can hear the same topic again, but gain something new each time.

The Sharing Couples are staff members who share their own challenges and victories.

Each week a different couple shares their story.
Hearing how other couples overcame their struggles imparts hope.
Perfect marriages don’t exist, but strong, happy marriages are possible.
It becomes apparent that hard work and commitment really do pay off.

The Third Option teaches the skills and tools to address any issue in your relationship. We hardly ever mention sex, money, in-laws or any other specific issue in the teachings (though you will hear plenty of stories). Rather, we show you how to approach these issues by learning a set of skills.

The Third Option Topics:

Building a climate of respect
Responsibility and the blame game
Understanding expectations
Redefining the power struggle
Control issues
Listening beyond the words
Personality differences
Childhood issues and emotional baggage
Handling anger constructively
Speaking the truth in love
How to fight fair: conflict resolution
Feelings and the hurt cycle
Forgiveness and repair
Rebuilding trust

There are several factors that make The Third Option program unique:

PRACTICAL: The materials provide a clear understanding of different topics. You can immediately start applying the principles.
ONGOING: We are always here for you. The class is offered year round. You can join at any time.
SAFE: You will always receive a warm welcome. You will never be pushed to talk or disclose anything. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us.
PERSONAL: We care about your marriage and are always ready to speak with you individually or as a couple. We are, however, not counselors and will refer you to a professional if needed.
ENCOURAGING: You will hear many real life stories to which you will be able to relate. As you apply the skills, you will begin to experience success.
SUCCESSFUL: We are not a miracle cure, but if you are ready to make changes, commit to and invest in your marriage, there is nothing in the way to a beautiful path of transformation.

Childcare

Childcare:

Childcare is gladly provided at no cost. We are only able to offer childcare at Lebanon at this time.

CHILDCARE SIGN-UP

Cost

Cost:

The cost for our 6-month program (Two 14-week semesters;) is $840 per couple. That breaks down to $140 per month or just $30 per weekly class. If your spouse is not ready to come with you, you can also come as an individual for half that cost ($15 per week).

Set up payments weekly, monthly, or by semester. You can cancel at any time.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Money should never be an obstacle to a healthy marriage. So, we offer financial assistance. Other couples are pulling for you and have donated extra to cover the cost. Simply let us know what amount you are able to pay, and we will make it work for you.

COMMUNITY: After your 6-month challenge, we invite you to remain an active part of our caring community and continue growing better together.

PARTICIPANT PAYMENT

GENERAL GIVING

JOIN US

Join us any week, In-Person in the Greater Cincinnati region, as well as online!

Online from Anywhere

An abbreviated 1-hour session (referred to as "Marriage School Express")

Tuesdays 1:00pm to 2:00pm EST

Alongside our Thursday evening In-Person session

Thursdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm

ZOOM links provided for session access upon registration.

Lebanon, OH

IN PERSON

Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Lebanon Presbyterian Church

123 N. East St.

Lebanon, OH 45036

Cincinnati, OH

IN PERSON OR ONLINE

Thursdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Montgomery Community Church

11251 Montgomery Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45249

Childcare is gladly provided at no cost. We are only able to offer childcare at Lebanon at this time.

CHILDCARE SIGN-UP

FAQ

VISION & MISSION

Our vision is to join God's redemptive work for families and the world by growing healthy, strong and loving marriages.

The Marriage School is a caring community that supports each husband and wife in their marriage covenant through life-changing programs made affordable for anyone.

Programs

SUPPORT

The Marriage School is able to serve you, because of your generosity!

If the work of The Marriage School, Inc. has impacted you in some way, we encourage you to consider financially supporting us so that we can continue to perpetuate this work in supporting and encouraging marriages.

The Marriage School, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

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