Start a Group*

Start The Third Option in your community!

What do you need to get started?
All you need is a manual and a person who will act as coordinator. All the rest will fall into place.

What kind of staffing is needed to start The Third Option program?
1- A coordinator: staff person or volunteer with human services expertise for about 5-6 hours per week for the first year about 2-3 hours a week thereafter. Their duties would include: overall leadership, identifying and training "sharing" couples, moderating and presenting workshops OR training others to do so.
2- Professional counselor: (ex-psychologist, social worker) for occasional screening of "sharing" couples and consultation as needed.
3- You will need to RECRUIT 2-3 "sharing" couples (After the program is operational additional "sharing" couples will COME FROM THE GROUP!)
4- a manual.

What does the Manual contain?
The manual is your COMPLETE KIT. Everything you need is in there. The manual contains all the scripts and handouts as well as instructions for creating the program and training mentor couples. It is self-explanatory and self-contained. There are no expensive training requirements, no hidden or on-going purchasing costs, franchising dues, etc.

While the program is sometimes led by counselors, it is not necessary. It is designed to be led by peers. To make it easier for peers to run the groups, THERE IS ALSO A DVD-BASED VERSION AVAILABLE. However, the dvd's are not necessary to run the program.

Part l has philosophy, agency assessment, information on locating/ screening/ training "sharing couples", tips for facilitators, etc.

Part II contains complete scripts of the fourteen mini-workshops.

Part III includes three appendices of support materials: worksheets, brochure and orientation booklet masters. Dvd's are available for the workshops as a SUPPLEMENTAL resource for training and/or group use for those who wish. (additional cost)

What about the spiritual dimension?
We consider the spiritual dimension very important. There is a definite, although subtle, faith aspect to the program. A requirement for the sharing couples is that they believe in GOD and believe that He had a part in their reconciliation process. We open and close meetings with a prayer. While based on the Judeo Christian values, we do not preach or teach a specific theological dogma during the workshops. We prefer to let the sharing couple share their faith along with their stories. This non-denominational approach helps us minister to "mixed" marriages and the "unchurched" and sometime results in a person returning to their faith roots. When used in a secular setting, of course, this dimension is deleted.

What do participants say about the program?
Group members have shared:

"I can't say enough about how much The Third Option has helped me. As we've said so many times during our group meetings, The Third Option gives us the tools to make our marriages and our own lives better."

"I have learned so much ...It really helps to share with other people who are struggling in their marriages but want to work on things or who have resolved their differences.. The hope and strength from the group sharing is powerful."

"The meetings are a top priority for me."

"I have so much hope that our 27 year marriage has a chance at happiness. We have felt the disappointment and now see the hopes coming true."

"It helped to hear a couple who knows exactly where I am."

"I don't believe we would be in counseling now if we had not gone to The Third Option meetings.''

"The Third Option was the thread that held us together while we worked things out."

How to Order:
Everything you need to start the program is in the 330-page manual. Dvd's of workshops are available, for an additional cost, but not essential.

PLEASE NOTE: This program is only available to non-profits (or government agencies) willing to offer it free. If you are an individual interested in starting a group, we encourage you to contact a church or other non-profit agency in your community and offer to help them. If you are a counselor, why not offer to help your church or neighborhood center pro bona? You will gain many referrals while you are helping those in need.

For information please contact: Pat Ennis at (315) 472-6728 or
via e-mail: pat@thethirdoption.com

To order send check to:   or click here to fill out order form * please note new address!
The Third Option
815 Fay Rd
Syracuse, NY 13219
USA

Information packet: $4, Demo tape: $5
Manual: $200 (available to non-profits only)

Shipping and Handling: In the contiguous US: $12;
outside contiguous US:$30.

Dvd's: $150 (14 workshops)
Manual & dvd's: $350 (ordered at the same time)