Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: My goal as a future marriage counselor is to reduce the number of marriages that end in divorce in my community. I aim to achieve this through preventative measures designed to increase relationship resilience and promote the overall well-being of families and the community. Significant Findings: This paper explores the rising divorce rates in Thatcher, Arizona, and highlights preventative measures to strengthen marriages in order to reduce marital dissolution. Key findings suggest that proactive interventions, such as marriage education programs and the passing of pro-marriage public policies, are more cost-effective than addressing the consequences of divorce (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019). Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory is used to identify risk and protective factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels while the Primary Prevention Model and Health Belief Model (HBM) guide the development and social awareness of the preventative measures. Gottman’s Seven Principles Couple Enhancement Program is used as an example of a successful evidence-based program shown to improve relationship satisfaction and resilience (Zahl-Olsen et al., 2024). Diversity and ethical considerations are recommended for the Hispanic and Latino subpopulation who face unique cultural stressors (Maru et al., 2023) Using the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies’ framework, the paper presents barriers and advocacy actions at the institutional, community, and public policy levels that should be considered for the success of this prevention program (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014). Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: The goal is to reduce divorce rates in Thatcher, Arizona, by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors in marital relationships through preventative measures. Key strategies include implementing evidence-based programs, such as the Gottman Seven Principles Couple Enhancment Program, to teach and enhance protective factors. Adapting a program that meets the cultural needs of the Hispanic and Latino subpopulation, using bilingual counselors and offering workshops in Spanish. Raising community awareness of the social, emotional, and financial consequences of divorce through media campaigns. Collaboration with churches and community centers to offer relationship skill-building workshops, including pre-marital education and date nights that involve couple connection activities. Lastly, advocating and promoting pro-marriage public policies, such as required marriage counseling before filing for divorce.
