CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 1
Case Study: Non-Married Couple with No Children
EDCO 820: Assessment of Marital and Family Counseling
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly evaluate and analyze the relational dynamics of a
nonmarried, childless couple. The case study will focus on how couples engage in their
relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, and the impact of various internal and
external factors on their social and interpersonal connections. The author's research will be
conducted over two onehour sessions. The first session will consist of an interview assessment,
which aims to establish rapport and trust, ensuring the couple feels safe participating in the
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 2
interview. It will also review some administrative logistics and address any questions they may
have about the process. The second assessment, the Prepare-Enrich assessment, will provide
valuable insights into the couple's relational functioning. The second session will use the
Prepare-Enrich assessment to explore the couple's relationship dynamics in more depth. After
completing both assessments, a comprehensive evaluation of the data collected will be
performed. Based on these results, we will develop and recommend an action plan to address
any concerns and enhance the relationship. Ultimately, this study seeks to deepen
understanding of the complexities in relationships between non-married couples and to provide
practical strategies for improvement.
Keywords: Prepared Enrich, assessment, conflict resolution, non-married couple
Case Study: Unmarried Partners Without Children
Robert and Susana are an unmarried white couple with no children. Robert is 21 years
old, and Susana is 20. Robert is the older sibling, with two sisters—one aged 20 and the
youngest being 17. Susana has an older sister who is 25. Robert and Susana have a strong,
dynamic, and structured relationship built on mutual respect, care, and commitment. They have
been together for three years and have been living together for two years due to financial
challenges. They agreed that sharing a place helped reduce the costs of maintaining two
separate apartments. Robert and Susana recently joined a non-denominational church, and
they are both committed to living a Christian life. The couple agrees that living together doesn’t
align with biblical teachings, but they still plan to get married. Robert said he is saving money to
buy Susana a ring.
An article by Miller & Farkas (2017) discusses the dynamics of young adult relationships
and how economic factors influence decisions to cohabitate to lower daily living costs.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 3
According to recent statistical data, many couples in the U.S. are choosing to live together to
help reduce living expenses. In 2021, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found
that approximately 59% of adults believe that cohabitation is a responsible way to manage
financial resources and reduce costs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Additionally, the U.S.
Census Bureau reports an increasing trend in cohabitation among couples, with the
cohabitation rate rising from 3.2 million in 1996 to nearly 8.5 million in 2021. This significant rise
suggests that many couples are opting to share housing to ease financial burdens.
Because of the couple's busy work schedules, a FaceTime interview was considered
more suitable. Therefore, we arranged a one-hour FaceTime session for the initial assessment.
Robert was somewhat nervous about the interview and asked several questions about how the
information would be used. I reassured him that the assessment was solely for academic
purposes, their real names would not be used, and it would remain confidential in the case
study. In an article by McCarty & Kline (2020), the authors emphasize the importance of
confidentiality in enhancing research participation, based on perspectives from both
participants and researchers. The foundation of a good client-counselor relationship rests on
maintaining strict confidentiality.
The opportunity was taken to explain the construct of the second assessment, the
Prepare Enrich assessment for pre-marital couples. The composition of the assessment was
explained in detail, informing the couple that the evaluation consisted of a series of relational
questions. They were informed that the appraisal is a counseling tool designed to help couples
build a strong foundation for their relationship. It also identifies relationship strengths and
potential conflict areas, aligns their expectations, and improves communication and conflict
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 4
resolution skills. It includes health screenings to detect underlying health issues and a series of
financial questions to identify any disparities.
Robert and Susana agreed to participate and take the written assessment. The couple
was informed that both would receive an email with instructions on how to proceed and that
each would be assigned an access code to complete the survey. They were assured that the
assessment results would remain confidential. According to an article by Sullivan (2022), the
benefits of premarriage counseling assessments include strengthening relationships, resolving
conflicts, and improving communication. Sullivan emphasized the importance of pre-marriage
counseling for couples in committed relationships, helping them build a strong and vibrant
partnership.
During the initial interview assessment with Jacob and Susana, they shared insights
about their relationship dynamics and communication styles. Jacob indicated that they generally
have good communication, highlighting the strength of their communication as a key factor in
their relationship. He stated that, for the most part, they effectively discuss and work through
their differences, which he believes significantly contributes to their connection and
commitment to each other.
I asked Susana a similar question, and she made eye contact with Robert before
answering. However, her response was genuine and included more detail. Susana agreed with
Jacob’s assessment but offered a nuanced perspective. She acknowledged they have strong
communication; however, Susana said that sometimes she feels overwhelmed and prefers not
to engage in discussions with Jacob. This shows that, despite their overall good communication
skills, there are moments when Susana needs space or has difficulty expressing her feelings.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 5
Susana mentioned that she sometimes needs space to decompress from the challenges
of her daily routine and at other times becomes annoyed when Jacob wants to communicate.
Jacob and Susana demonstrate a strong commitment to each other, but they could benefit from
exploring how to better balance open dialogue with their individual emotional needs. Susana
also indicated that she is seeing a therapist for issues she does not wish to discuss. Miller &
Rollnick (2019). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.) discusses the
importance of building rapport and understanding motivation in interviews, as well as the
effectiveness of social communication platforms, which fit the situation with Robert and Susana
during their FaceTime assessment.
The couple admitted to facing struggles, including some breakups. They also mention
that Susana's extended family has not supported their relationship, which has caused tension,
leading Susana to distance herself from her family. Despite this, they remain resilient and
committed, hoping their relationship with the extended family will improve over time. They
share the same friends and social networks, and their primary means of communication are
social media platforms, mainly Facebook. An article by Miller and Herring (2020) discusses
various aspects of communication technologies and their impact on social interactions. It
examines how digital platforms impact personal relationships, with a focus on the dynamics of
online communication versus face-to-face interactions. The authors also discuss how privacy
concerns, the role of social media in shaping public discourse, public opinion, and the
implications for identity and community building in the digital age (Miller & Herring, 2020)
The initial assessment of the FaceTime interview with Robert and Susana identified
several key areas for further exploration. Robert and Susana are dedicated partners who work
well together to handle challenges. They have remained resilient through difficulties and
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 6
continue to be fully committed to their relationship. Having decided to cohabitate at the young
ages of 21 and 20, they have built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and shared
values, including their recent involvement in a non-denominational church.
Robert and Susana's decision to live together is motivated by financial reasons. While
their living arrangement mirrors common trends among young couples, they acknowledge that
it doesn't align with biblical teachings. The interview revealed that they communicate honestly
and openly, but also highlighted moments when Susana needs space, underscoring emotional
nuances that deserve further attention.
Ethical considerations were important for the couple, especially regarding confidentiality,
which was clearly communicated and helped build trust in the assessment process. While the
couple's evaluation demonstrates perseverance and unity in facing family pressures and
personal challenges, exploring their future goals and strategies for managing family
relationships could strengthen their partnership as they prepare for marriage. This assessment
emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue and emotional awareness in their evolving
relationship.
According to Harrison & Barlow (2021), the article discusses the significance of ethical
dimensions in couple therapy, highlighting the role of confidentiality and trust between couples
and the therapist.
Session Action Plan
Analysis
The results of the Prepare-Enrich assessment identified several concerns, consistent
with the FaceTime interview, including financial stability, external family influence, health
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 7
issues, and communication. The assessment results suggest that further exploration is
necessary to provide the couple with an opportunity to address the problems highlighted.
Before the interview or Prepare Enrich assessment, there were no signs or indications that
Robert or Susana had implemented any significant plan of action to address their differences or
potential challenges, except for Susana keeping her distance from her extended family and
seeing a therapist for a personal issue. Robert avoided friends whom he considered toxic to his
relationship with Susana, demonstrating his commitment to the relationship.
Analysis
After thoroughly reviewing Robert and Susana's Prepare Enrich assessment scores, they
are best described as a conflicted couple. They have disagreements and concerns about several
aspects of their relationship. Couples often struggle with effective communication and find it
difficult to resolve issues. Robert and Susana should work on improving their communication
and conflict resolution skills. This assessment not only highlights their strengths but also
identifies areas for growth and improvement. The following evaluation highlights several key
areas of interest that require further exploration to enhance the couple's overall relationship
dynamics and structure. The assessment focuses on nine key areas, which include Spiritual
beliefs, character Traits, family & friends, sexual expectations, leisure activities, financial
management, partner style & habits, conflict resolution, and communication.
Evaluation
Upon evaluating the results of the assessments taken by Robert and Susana, it becomes
clear that their relationship exhibits both strengths and areas requiring improvement across the
nine key areas assessed. The couple's typology and classification are based on their Personal
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 8
Clarification and Articulation (PCA) score. The couple received a spiritual belief PCA score of
90%, indicating a strong alignment in their spiritual beliefs. Robert and Susana’s high score
highlight a solid foundation in their relationship, as shared spiritual values often enhance
emotional intimacy and mutual understanding. Their PCA score in character traits stands at
60%. Although this score reflects a reasonable level of compatibility in their personal attributes,
it also suggests that there is room for growth in understanding and appreciating each other's
unique qualities that contribute to the relationship.
With a score of 50% in family and friends, Robert and Susana have a moderate level of
support from their social circles. The score indicates that while they enjoy positive family
relationships and friendships, they could work on improving their involvement with loved ones,
which can further strengthen their relationship dynamics. The couple's sexual expectations are
also 50%. This score indicates a moderate level of alignment regarding their intimate needs and
desires. According to the PCA scale, the following scores are below average and need attention
and improvement: leisure activities (30%), financial management (20%), communication (30%),
conflict resolution (10%), and partner styles and habits (0%).
The score for leisure activities is notably low at 30%, suggesting that Robert and Susana
may not be spending enough quality time together enjoying activities. By working together to
find and participate in shared hobbies, they can strengthen their bond and increase their overall
satisfaction. Robert and Susana's score in financial management is also low at 20%, highlighting
a significant area that requires attention. Financial stress can affect relationships; therefore,
they would benefit from open conversations about their financial goals, budgeting, and
spending habits to create a more cooperative financial partnership. Their communication score
of 30% indicates a need for improvement in how the couple interacts and shares their thoughts
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 9
and feelings. Robert and Susana should focus on improving their communication skills by
practicing active listening, expressing their emotions constructively, and setting aside time for
meaningful conversations, which could significantly improve their understanding of each other.
Conflict resolution scored low at 10%, pointing to challenges in how Robert and Susana
handle disagreements. They need to develop a plan to enhance their conflict resolution skills,
including establishing ground rules for discussions, recognizing unhealthy patterns, and
exploring techniques to stay calm and respectful during disputes. Their score of 0% in partner
styles and habits indicates they need to work on their daily routines and approaches to life.
Understanding each other's habits and preferences can help them align expectations, reduce
misunderstandings, and create a more harmonious living environment.
Summation
Robert and Susana have established a unique and complex relationship that reflects both
their individual strengths and challenges, as indicated during their face-time interview and the
subsequent prepared enrichment assessment. Throughout the couple’s interview, it became
clear that they share a deep emotional connection, characterized by mutual respect and
support.
However, it became apparent that they also have some communication barriers and possible
further issues that can lead to misunderstandings. The interview revealed Robert’s tendency to
withdraw during conflicts, while Susana often seeks open dialogue. This suggests that they need
to refine their conflict resolution techniques to enhance their communication skills, which are
essential for long-term relationship success.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 10
The prepared enrichment assessment provided further insights into their dynamic,
highlighting the areas in which they excel and those that require attention. Both partners scored
highly on their shared values and life goals, indicating a firm foundation upon which they can
continue to build a better future together. However, the assessment PCA score also pointed out
that they need to work on their emotional intimacy and conflict management strategies. Robert
and Susana have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on their existing strengths and
weaknesses, building and fostering a more fulfilling relationship. Overall, with dedicated work
and effort, open communication, they have the potential to navigate their differences and
enhance their partnership.
Creating
As Robert and Susana work together to strengthen their relationship and overcome
communication challenges, they can base their efforts on their spiritual beliefs, biblical
principles, prayer, and participation in church events and activities. The Scriptures promote
understanding and unity. Scripture encourages believers to communicate with love and
patience, reflecting Ephesians 4:2, which calls us to be "completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love." By committing to regular prayer together, they can
invite God into their discussions, fostering an environment of grace and compassion.
Implementing an action plan that includes active listening, conflict resolution exercises, and
shared devotionals can help them build a stronger, faith-based foundation for their relationship.
Method
When working with and counseling Robert and Susana, a comprehensive approach that
blends the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can be particularly
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 11
effective. By focusing on building a strong friendship and increasing emotional intimacy, they
can engage in exercises like the "Love Map" to deepen their understanding of each other.
Incorporating cognitive behavioral techniques will help them identify and reframe negative
thought patterns during conflicts, while communication skills training—emphasizing active
listening and the use of “I” statements—will improve their interactions.
Additionally, Robert and Susana can use the information learned and integrate the
suggestions provided by the Prepare-Enrich assessment, allowing the client and counselor the
opportunity for evaluation and targeted discussions about their strengths and challenges. A
joint counseling setting reinforces their shared values through biblical principles. The use of the
Prepare-Enrich workbook for couples, along with a copy of their individual assessment, can
further facilitate and enhance their commitment to growth. The flexibility and structure of this
methodology will empower the couple to improve their communication, resolve conflicts more
effectively, and ultimately foster a more fulfilling and resilient relationship.
Scripture and Counseling Support
Robert and Susana's counseling journey can be rooted in Scripture as they work to
strengthen their relationship. A powerful biblical principle to support their process is found in
Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of
the others."The scripture above also emphasizes the importance of effective communication
and conflict resolution. By grounding their efforts in these teachings, Robert and Susana can
foster a cooperative atmosphere that encourages understanding, respect, and love.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 12
A recent article by Zhao et al. (2019) discussed the importance of faith-based counseling
methods in promoting relational health. According to the authors' research, they found that
couples who participate in integrated faith-based therapy experience improved relationship
satisfaction and communication skills. The authors suggest that incorporating spiritual elements,
such as prayer and Scriptural encouragement, has a significant impact on relationship quality.
They argue that faith can serve as a protective factor against relational distress, reinforcing the
idea that integrating spiritual principles into counseling can lead to better outcomes for couples
facing challenges.
Timeframe
In Choosing the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the selected
approach for Robert and Susana is expected to last approximately six to eight weeks, with six to
eight sessions that build on each other to strengthen their relationship. In the first session, the
focus will be on establishing rapport and assessing individual and relational strengths and
challenges by using both the Prepare-Enrich assessment results and the Gottman Method to set
goals for growth. The second session will delve deeper into emotional intimacy and
communication skills, including exercises such as "Love Maps" and strategies for active listening,
as well as conflict resolution techniques. In the final session, Robert and Susana will be asked to
reflect on their progress, develop an ongoing action plan that incorporates biblical principles,
and practice new skills through role-playing scenarios, ensuring they leave with practical tools to
foster a healthier, more resilient relationship.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 13
Desired Outcome
My counseling approach for Robert and Susana includes several positive aspects, such as
a holistic perspective that combines emotional and spiritual elements, fostering a well-rounded
relationship. As a Christian faith-based counselor, using the Prepare-Enrich assessment will
enable me to develop a structured framework that highlights individuals' strengths and areas
for growth, encouraging targeted discussions and efforts. Maintaining a practical biblical
perspective, I believe I can provide a sense of purpose and unity, building trust in the process.
Encouraging homework assignments is another way to promote practicing new skills and
creating a feedback loop where they can share their thoughts.
However, I am mindful that a positive outcome is not always possible because of
potential relationship challenges, such as the risk of alienating one partner if the focus on
spirituality becomes too much. It might feel overwhelming or complex for Robert and Susana to
manage and cope with. To help me mitigate this, regular check-ins and reflective journaling can
assist in monitoring their progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assessment results for Robert and Susana reveal a mix of strengths,
particularly in their spiritual beliefs and character traits, alongside several key areas that require
attention. By focusing on the lower-scoring areas, particularly communication, conflict
resolution, and financial management, Robert and Susana can work strategically to improve
their relationship, leading to greater closeness, understanding, and long-term fulfillment.
Regular conversations about these topics can promote growth, helping them build a resilient
and satisfying partnership.
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 14
Additional Research Ideas and Helps
The following paragraphs provide additional research to help Robert and Susana
maintain a healthy and lasting relationship. McCullough et al. (2019) highlighted that couples
who actively participate in spiritual practices together tend to report higher levels of
relationship satisfaction and commitment (McCullough et al., 2019). Their research aligns well
with the Prepare-Enrich assessment, which not only measures individual strengths but also
encourages couples to reflect on spiritual intimacy. A recent study by Smith et al. (2021)
discussed the importance and effectiveness of introducing homework into sessions. According
to the article, couples learn and practice new skills in real time, fostering ongoing
communication and problem-solving abilities. Lastly, a study by Reed et al. (2022) found that
couples who maintain a balanced focus on spirituality and practical relationship skills experience
a greater sense of purpose and unity and have a lower divorce rate.
References
Harrison, J. M., & Barlow, A. J. (2021). Navigating ethical dimensions in couple therapy: The
importance of confidentiality, trust, and communication. Journal of Couple &
Relationship Therapy, 20(3), 215-230.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2021.1908310
McCarty, C., & Kline, A. (2020). The role of confidentiality in enhancing research participation:
Perspectives from participants and researchers. Journal of Empirical Research on Human
Research Ethics, 15(2), 121-132.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1556264618758818
McCullough, M. E., Pargament, K. I., & Thoresen, C. E. (2019). Title of the study. Journal of
CASE STUDY NON-MARRIED COUPLE 15
Marriage and Family, 815, 1234-1245.
Miller, L. M., & Herring, S. C. (2020). Navigating family tensions in romantic relationships: The
role of social networks and social media. Journal of Family Issues, 41(3), 309-331.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X19832689
Miller, R. S., & Farkas, D. A. (2017). Young adults' relationships: Transitions to cohabitation and
marriage. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(5), 627-637.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2019). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change
(3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Pew Research Center: "The Decline of Marriage and Rise of Cohabitation" (2021).
Reed, T. M., & H Networked. (2022). Title of the study. American Journal of Family Therapy,
44(3), 255-270.
Smith, A. B., Johnson, C. D., & Williams, E. F. (2021). Title of the study. Journal of Family
Psychology, 35, 150-165.
Sullivan, K. (2022). Enhancing Relationship Skills: The Impact of Pre-Marriage Counseling
Assessments on Couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 36(4), 528-540.
https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0008
U.S. Census Bureau: "Cohabitation: The New Normal in Relationships" (2021).
Zhao, X., Wang, L., & Wang, F. (2019). The role of faith-based interventions in promoting
relationship satisfaction: A review. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(1), 82-92.
https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000463
