Is Your Relationship Recovering From An Affair? PAMRC Suggests Resources That May Help

Free Relationship Education Class Preview

Come and learn about all of the Relationship Education programs offered by the Council for Relationships - ranging from courses for singles, engaged couples, married couples and all other committed couples! Dr. Rita DeMaria, PAIRSŽ Program Director, and our PAIRSŽ Leaders will introduce you to the many classes we offer that can provide directions, tools and guides for you and your partner to have a successful and pleasurable relationship.

June 12
Concordville, PA: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

September 24; October 1
Wynnewood, PA: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To register, please contact Rita DeMaria, Ph.D., LSW, LMFT, Program Director at 215-628-2450.

Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS) Program
Semester Course

A 16 week program designed to help couples who want to assess the current status of their relationship; acknowledge and appreciate differences that each partner brings to the relationship; resolve conflicts creatively; heal wounds from the past and avoid mistakes made in previous relationships; understand how family history influences choices and behaviors; improve physical and emotional bonding; increase commitment. For more information or to register for a PAIRSŽ course, please contact Rita DeMaria, Ph.D., LSW, LMFT, Program Director at 215-628-2450.

Getting The Love You Want: The Imago Couples Workshop
Presented by The Wissahickon Center for Relationship Therapy

"This workshop consists of five processes: re-imaging your partner, restoring empathy, restructuring frustrations, renewing romance and re-visioning the future. The weekend is composed of a carefully constructed blend of educational lectures and films, group discussions, self-exploration and writing work. You will learn new skills - ways to communicate that will allow you to truly see and hear each other with compassion, to melt anger and move through conflict to a place of profound connection and compassion. A significant portion of the workshop is spent practicing these new tools with your partner. While you are invited to share your insights and experiences within the larger group, all such sharing is optional."

For more information or to register, please contact Laura Marshall, LCSW, QCSW at 215-699-1238.

Beyond Affairs Network (BAN):
Support Group for Dealing with a Partners Affair

A local chapter of BAN has been formed in the Doylestown area. BAN is a non-profit, volunteer, grass-roots organization which allows men and women who are dealing with a partners affair to come together for strength, insight, and mutual support. It is best suited for individuals who are seeking to gain more information, understanding, and perspective about the issue of affairs in order to make more informed personal decisions. BAN meetings are not intended to act as a substitute for counseling or other professional help.

BAN is the creation of Peggy Vaughan, author of The Monogamy Myth, Beyond Affairs and Making Love Stay (co-authored with husband, James). Their work resulted from their own experience in 1974 when James admitted to a series of affairs. The Vaughans were successful in re-establishing an honest, monogamous marriage, leading to Peggys dedication to helping others in dealing with the experience of affairs.

In forming BAN, Peggy says, Its my hope that we can continue to deal more openly with the issue of affairs while protecting and respecting the feelings of those who struggle personally with this situation. I have a clear sense that when something is seen as too awful to talk about, its seen as too awful to get over. So being able to tell someone, and limiting the number of people from whom it has to be kept secret, can be extremely helpful in recovering and healing from the emotional impact of this experience.

BAN meetings are facilitated by veteran affair survivors and guarantee participants strict anonymity within the group setting, as well as the identity of their spouses and the other woman/other man. Meeting locations and times are confidential and are distributed through email to those participants who indicate they wish to attend a meeting. At this time, there is no charge to attend a BAN meeting; however, a small, non-mandatory contribution may be requested in the future to cover any local expenses. Meetings are open to individuals of all ages whose spouse had an affair, regardless of whether the marriage survived the affair. People currently engaged in an affair, counselors, and members of the press are forbidden to attend.

You can email your local BAN coordinator at doylestwn@yahoo.com.

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