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The Third Option was initiated by the personal experience of Patricia Ennis’s close
friend. Her friend was dealing with a marriage crisis. Despite the couple’s
determination, they couldn’t find the answers they were seeking. They eventually lost
hope and didn’t know where to turn for help. They eventually divorced. Patricia was so
devastated, she dedicated four years to designing a program that came to be known as
The Third Option.
The Third Option provides a multifaceted approach to providing hope and help. Each
session begins with a small support group that provides an opportunity to share
successes and challenges in applying the skills in their relationship. No one is required
to share. It is built upon voluntary sharing. The second portion of The Third Option is a
time of teaching skills that can enhance the participant’s relationships. The third portion
typically includes a sharing couple. The sharing couple describes their experience with
the topic of the day and their struggles until they implemented the skills. The couple
then shares how the skills impacted their relationship. Finally, couples are asked to
identify a goal they want to incorporate into their daily interactions with others.
Meeting with others who have been in a similar situation but worked through the
challenges and made their marriage work provides the hope couples strive for. The 14
skill-based topics that make up The Third Option provide the help they need.
Patricia Ennis, MSW, received the International Smart Marriages Impact Award for her
work in developing The Third Option. We look forward to the opportunity to share the
practical skills that make up The Third Option with you in person or virtually.
Let’s talk! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email or phone: