September 17 to Nov 19, 2006

Gordon & Carri Taylor

The Taylor's, along with other couples, will be presenting personally as well as using presentations from their VHS/DVD Series, “Designing Dynamic Stepfamilies: Bringing the Pieces to Peace.” It has a comprehensive Study Guide that is part of the curriculum. For more information on the Series: www.DesigningDynamicStepfamilies.com

Three assessments will be given and explained as part of the workshop:
True Colors: Temperament (Personality) Identification
DiSC Indra: In Depth Relationship Assessment Identifying Behavioral Styles
Prepare-MC: Identifies Strength and Growth Areas in 13 Significant Issues for Couples: Personality Issues; Family of Origin and Couple Styles
These assessments are taken online. When payment is made for the workshop, the email access codes will be sent out to each individual.
For more information on the Assessments click here.

The fee for the workshop is $189 per couple, which covers the cost of the assessments and Study Guides. For more information on the Taylors visit www.CGTaylor.com .

1) Sep 17 Welcome
Preview of Workshop & Introductions

“Apples & Oranges” & Discussion
First marriages are “apples” – subsequent marriages are “oranges.” In this presentation basic fundamental differences between the two are explored. The stepfamily forms backwards from the biological family. Without recognizing & preparing for these differences, the stepfamily – and those working with them – can get set up for major problem.

“What About Us?” & Discussion
One of the major questions stepcouples ask is, “What about us?” Not only the stepfamily but the couple relationship also forms backwards. The issues facing the developing remarried couple relationship can be confusing & emotionally charged. Among the concepts presented are “primary and foundational,” “reclaiming the territory” & the “tasks of remarriage.”

2) Sep 24 “Lenses of Communication” & Introduction to Communication Skills
The #1 skill in all relationships is communication – this is particularly true in the intense, committed relationship we call marriage. Carri developed "The Lenses" to show you the filters and layers that can cause communication collisions. You will hear the communication accidents & repairs from other couples as well as how to "cross the street" into another person's world. Carri will present and demonstrate communication skills using a volunteer couple from the workshop.

3) Oct 1 “Bio-Force Meets the Weakest Link” & Discussion
The most unpredictable element in stepfamily formation is relationship development. This presentation explores & literally draws out, how individuals bond & relationships develop in the stepfamily. This is also contrasted with the biological family.

“Step-Discipline” & Discussion
The parenting problems presented here are universal to stepfamilies where one or both bring children. Learning the important principles of stepparenting & discipline will enhance the chance for remarriage success & couple satisfaction. Other couples share their failures & successes in handling discipline.

4) Oct 8 “Money & Stuff” & Discussion
Every marriage has to handle money & stuff. With a remarriage this is amplified and is the #2 reason for the break up of second or subsequent marriages, underlying all other stepfamily problems. This is one of the least discussed areas before any marriage takes place. This time we come with assets, debts, children, lack of trust (we got burned), as well as different styles of spending and saving. Different models of financial management, along with the struggles & victories of other couples, are presented.

5) Oct 15 "True Colors" Assessment Review
During this session the "True Colors" Temperament Identification Assessment will be explained. Each individual will be given their individual report (22 pages). Total of 2 reports.

6) Oct 22 "DiSC Indra" Assessment Review
During this session the "DiSC Indra" In depth Relationship Assessment Identifying Behavioral Styles will be explained. Each individual will receive a 16 page report on themselves, plus a 9 page dyad report representing them and their partner. Total of 4 reports

7) Oct 29 "Prepare-MC" Assessment Review
During this session the "Prepare-MC Assessment that identifies Strength and Growth Areas in 13 Significant Areas, along with Personality Issues; Family of Origin and Couple Styles will be explained and each couple will receive access to print out an online 28 page booklet with six couple exercises.

8) Nov 5 Designing Your Remarriage
Using all the information presented up to this point; we will address how to define and establish non-negotiables; how to design your marriage and establish action plans; and how to develop intimacy in 10 areas of the marriage.

9) Nov 12 “Stages of Stepfamily War” Pt. 1 & Discussion
Many remarried couples are surprised to find the stepfamily jungle a confusing & sometimes dangerous place to hang out. How to survive (by identifying the emotional landmines) & win (by dealing with them productively) is presented. This is filled with the life experiences of stepcouples & stepkids as they relate their travels through "World Peace," "Diplomatic Breakdown," and "Battle Engagement" of the development cycle.

10) Nov 19 "Stages of Stepfamily War” Pt. 2 & Discussion
The journey continues through "Infrastructure Rebuilding" and landing in the "Post-War Era" - ending on a pinnacle of hope! Resources, support groups and opportunities for skill training will be offered.