PAIRS Foundation

Bio

PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) programs provide a comprehensive system to enhance self-knowledge and to develop the ability to sustain pleasurable intimate relationships. PAIRS unique, innovative approach integrates a wide range of theories and methods from psychology, education and psychotherapy and presents them in an educational format. PAIRS acts to bridge therapy, marital enrichment, and marriage and family development. PAIRS has been research-validated as being effective in all populations for which it has been adapted. PAIRS has relationship skills training programs for children and youth, PAIRS for PEERS, that are taught in schools, churches and community organizations. PAIRS has programs for the Military, providing critical support for active duty, guard and veteran families impacted by deployment; classes are taught by chaplains, counselors, family service workers and PAIRS National Trainers. PAIRS has faith-based programs for the Jewish, Catholic, and Christian church communities. PAIRS serves disadvantaged youth, unmarried couples, adoptive families, singles, prison parolees, and others who can benefit from relationship skills training. The Goal of PAIRS is a relationship that both partners can live with joyfully. For this to happen, each partner must become able to identify his or her own feelings and needs, and learn to communicate them in such a way that they can get met. This means communicating one's needs and desires without making the other partner feel resentful, smothered, burdened, manipulated, or inadequate. Easily and fully meeting each others' needs is the foundation of intimacy, fulfillment, and happiness.