Hope Couples Project Registration
Couples Counseling offered at no cost as an outreach of Regent University
Regent University, 1000 Regent University Drive, Classroom Bldg,
Virginia Beach VA 23464
Registration link at bottom of page
The Hope Couples Project is a research study investigating the Hope approach to couples intervention located at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.
The project recruits couples at certain times of the year who are willing to participate in the research.
What is the Hope Focused approach? The Hope Focused approach works to build Hope for couples using positive interventions, a short-term strategic approach that is tailored to the relationship needs of the couple. Our Hope Couples Project lab also has the option to tailor the treatment to the religious needs of couples, regardless of religious tradition. The Hope Focused approach is an approach that focuses on assessment, feedback, creating commitment, communication, problem solving, understanding each others' pasts, apologies and forgiveness. Our goal is to support you in using these principles to change the patterns in your relationship to be more healthy.
How much of a commitment are we talking about here? The intervention is tailored to your needs so it varies. Generally, we ask that you commit to one standard workweek worth of work in your relationship- 40 hours. Considering all the work you've put into your relationship couples are usually willing to put in just one week's worth of work. What that means is generally 8 to 12 weeks of counseling and about 3 hours a week focusing on your relationship with homework and positive time together like datenights or communicating positively together.
Our relationship is in trouble, will this work for us? The hope approach will work with a wide variety of couples problems. It's not magic, but you both can choose to make effective decisions that will improve your relationship. However, there are some situations or psychological problems that we recommend individual treatment either simultaneously or before beginning couples therapy. In addition the approach can be tailored to some couples problems but is not designed to help with all problems. For example, current or recent infidelity requires specific attention to the infidelity and this approach is not designed for that particular problem. The hope approach has an intake trial period where both partners and the therapist are deciding whether this approach will work for you. While we want many couples in our research, we wouldn't recommend an approach to you that is unlikely to be helpful to you.
Do you do pre-marital counseling or couples enrichment? Yes, we often do. We encourage a prevention approach to relationship problems and will work with you to "fill up your toolbox" with skills and principles that will help you negotiate the ever-changing relationship you are in.
Where are the meetings? Our offices are on the Regent University campus in the Psychological Services Center which is in the classroom building Suite 188. You can download a campus map here in pdf. Appointments can be scheduled weekdays and most evenings. For those that live outside the Virginia Beach area we can arrange for a one-week or weekend intensive intervention if appropriate. If interested in this more intensive option, please call our offices to discuss it.
What is the cost? If you see one of the doctoral students, the cost is FREE! The university supports this outreach and research project. We do accept voluntary donations for future development.
What is the process to register and begin? Both you and your partner need to click on the link below to separately complete the registration survey and initial screening. One of our staff will review your answers within a couple days and may call you if we have further questions. Once completed, we will assign you to a therapist who matches your availability and who will call you to schedule your first appointment.
If you have further questions and would like to speak with a staff first please e-mail us at info@hopecouples.com or call 757-352-4896.
To register, please follow this link:
