Just for Fun... Click the picture to read the Flying Feather's BLOG (our trip down in the Intercoastal April 2009)
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Dismayed by the effects of divorce on teens in their church youth ministry, Baltimore County couple Ed and Mary Beth Koplin decided to work with married couples to improve communication and stem the tide of divorce. In 2003, they began teaching a Couple Communication class in their spare time, using a program developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Family Study Center.
The Koplins have taught over 100 couples the program, which uses floor mats to guide couples through the process of resolving conflicts. Participants discover that in addition to improving their marriage, the skills they learn can help improve communication with their children, co-workers and others.
"Our mission is to take married couples from conflict to collaboration and intimacy within four weeks," the Koplins say. "The closer the person is to you, the more effective the program benefits become."
Couples that came to the class in conflict are volunteering to support the program. Rob and Becky Haley, a young Owings Mills couple, help on a regular basis and are working toward being certified instructors.
Since its inception more than 40 years ago at the University of Minnesota Family Study Center, more than 600,000 couples have taken the course throughout the United States, Canada and Asia.
The four-week session is held with six to 12 couples, who listen to presentations and demonstrations, then practice the techniques on the mats. Coaches help couples fine-tune their skills and encourage each other to practice between sessions.
"This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. I get to work with my wife of 31 years, and help other families in our area," says Ed Koplin. He and Mary Beth have four grown sons.
"One of our sons got married two years ago and recently came home just to have us teach them the class," Mary Beth Koplin says. "It is great to pass on a method to enhance and protect their marriage. I feel a great sense of satisfaction and peace, knowing we can be of such help to our children and community."
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