Lyke To Lyke
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Matteson, IL 60443
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FOCCUS Pre-marriage Inventory

What is FOCCUS? FOCCUS is an internationally used inventory designed to provide engaged couples and those working with them a PERSONALIZED PROFILE of what is needed in their marriage preparation process. It is both a starting place for couple discussion and a map of what issues need time and attention, affirmation or problem solving. 156 basic questions plus additional questions for remarried, interfaith and/or cohabiting couples. Not a test but the source of the FOCCUS REPORT which shows patterns of strengths and challenges in 19 categories for couples to use independently with a trained coach or as part of other preparation processes. Strong psychometric characteristics: high reliability with content, construct and predictive validity. FOCCUS is a product of FOCCUS, Inc.
FOCCUS is Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding Study	"FOCCUS is a self-diagnostic inventory designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship." FOCCUS is a 156-item instrument (with an additional 33 optional items for interfaith couples, cohabiting couples and couples in which one or both partners are remarrying) that was developed in 1984-86, updated with cohabiting couple items in 1997 and revised in 2000 with new research based items in the areas related to spirituality and religion. All editions have strong psychometric characteristics of reliability, content, construct and predictive validity.
FOCCUS is a self diagnostic inventory designed to help couples learn more about themselves and their unique relationship. It is not a test nor meant as a predictor of success or failure. It is a tool to help couples identify and work through issues before marriage. Although used by many educators and counselors, FOCCUS is not primarily a counseling nor teaching tool. It is a discussion instrument intended to maximize the total marriage preparation by tailoring it to the individual couple and by providing comprehensive content and process that best serves the couple preparing for marriage and those working with them. FOCCUS is designed to be used at three levels. The 1st level initiates individual and couple awareness and discussion of issues. It begins when each partner responds independently to the inventory items (45 to 60 minutes) and is then encouraged to explore thoughts and responses with the other even before reviewing their FOCCUS REPORT with a coach. The 2nd level involves facilitation of the couple’s discussion and problem solving around patterns identified within categories in their FOCCUS REPORT. FOCCUS coaches make use of a Facilitator Manual that includes explanation of all patterns and hundreds of additional resource questions. FOCCUS is designed for use by both professional coaches and trained lay coaches. At the completion of the discussion of the FOCCUS REPORT, both partners complete a form called FOCCUS for the Future, which helps them consolidate what they have learned about their relationship and plan how to use this in their future. The 3rd level involves three kinds of referrals. The first kind is not needed by every couple and is for specialized assistance (e.g., domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual dysfunction). The second referral is to various resources, e.g., books, videos, magazines, etc. The third referral is to educational or skill training programs, i.e., Discovery Weekend,PreCana, Special PreCana, Marrying with Stepchildren PreCana, PreCana in Polish, PreCana Hispana or PreCana Hispana Especial.

FOCCUS is copyrighted to FOCCUS, Inc. USA
www.foccusinc.com