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THE THIRD OPTION
Some married couples can see only two painful options...
1. Suffering in an unhappy marriage
2. Enduring the devastation of divorce
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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.
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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.
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.
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You are free to share or just listen. We will never put you on the spot.
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Expressing our own thoughts helps us to process and grow in awareness.
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Sharing our experiences (good and bad) encourages others.
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Hearing others reminds us that we are not alone and that our issues are normal.
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The group is safe and everything is kept confidential.
Teaching is a presentation of the weekly topic.
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The concepts are simple and yet powerful when put into practice.
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Because the program repeats three times each year, you can easily make up missed topics.
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Many couples attend several consecutive sessions.
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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.
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Each week a different couple shares their story.
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Hearing how other couples overcame their struggles imparts hope.
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Perfect marriages don’t exist, but strong, happy marriages are possible.
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It becomes apparent that hard work and commitment really do pay off.
There are several factors that make The Third Option program unique:
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PRACTICAL: The materials provide a clear understanding of different topics. You can immediately start applying the principles.
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ONGOING: We are always here for you. The class is offered year round. You can join at any time.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 is gladly provided at no cost at both Lebanon and Landmark.
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.
JOIN US
Join us any week, In-Person in the Greater Cincinnati region, as well as online!
Online from Anywhere
​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
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Lebanon Presbyterian Church
123 N. East St.
Lebanon, OH 45036
Cincinnati, OH
IN PERSON OR ONLINE
Thursdays 6:30pm to 8:30pm
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Landmark Cincinnati
1600 Glendale Milford Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45215
Childcare is gladly provided at no cost. We are only able to offer childcare at Lebanon at this time.
VISION & MISSION
Our vision is to join God's redemptive work for families and the world by growing healthy, strong and loving marriages.
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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.
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.
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The Marriage School, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.