A Pre & Early Marriage Mentoring Programme for Muslim Couples
GOOD BEGINNINGS
Course Overview
‘Good Beginnings’ has been collaboratively developed by Benevolence Australia and ‘Sir Zelman Cowen Centre’ at Victoria University as a pre & early marriage mentoring resource for Muslim couples. The program works to create opportunities for conversations with Muslim couples about how to build respectful relationships and strong marriages when they are at the beginning of their journeys together. The program is also highly beneficial for couples 2-3 years into marriage up to 7 years of marriage.
Couples work with a trained Good Beginnings Marriage Mentor to complete the course.
What is Good Beginnings?
This program consists of four personalised one-hour coaching sessions, each designed to support couples through a structured process of assessment, guided reflection, and meaningful growth. At the centre of the program is the Prepare-Enrich relationship assessment, an internationally recognised tool that provides a clear picture of your relationship’s strengths, communication patterns, areas for development, and potential challenges. You’ll also receive ongoing access to the Good Beginnings online course, allowing you to continue strengthening your relationship skills long after the coaching ends.
Start your journey as a couple
Learn about the Prophetic model of marriage and develop the skills and knowledge required for a healthy, long-lasting relationship.
Course Outline
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The Prophetic Model of Marriage
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Knowing your Strengths as a Couple
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Communication Styles
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Stress
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Conflict Management and Resolution
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Understanding Each Other and your Families
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Being Yourself in a Couple
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Financial management
Learn from Real Couples
“I totally recommend you to read a poem by Mufti Menk. It's called Marriage Is A School. I think the main message is that it's a process. It's a tool, a platform for you to develop yourself... It's a big miss not to get married in my view because you get a lot of opportunities to grow. ”
“[Marriage] is a time when you really start a new chapter of your life... so you need to be really ready for any kind of challenges. Marriage is the first one, then having kids, then having grandchild, and then business. We need to be ready.”
“When young people first meet and get to know each other... I often see them as just walking on eggshells and not having some of those difficult conversations that are really, really important before marriage. There's going to be things in those conversations that are deal breakers, and things that aren't. And so it's really important to have that help and guidance from people around you.”
FAQ
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Can you do the course if you're already married?
Yes, of course. This program is highly beneficial for couples 2-3 years into marriage up to 7 years of marriage. It's a good opportunity to grow and strengthen your relationship.
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Do I need a Marriage Mentor?
Yes. This course is not designed as a self paced course. The course is designed to be delivered by a qualified Good Beginnings Marriage Mentor who will give you access to the curriculum as part of the Good Beginnings marriage mentoring program. You can find out who is available in your area by visiting the Benevolence Australia website navigating to the Good Beginnings Tab and choosing a marriage mentor on the marriage mentor directory. Visit the directory here: https://benevolenceaustralia.org/mentor-directory
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Can I do the course without my partner?
No. Good Beginnings is a program for couples to complete together. Many of the skills take two people to practice.
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Can I have my sessions online?
Some marriage mentors will have all their sessions with you in-person. Suburbs are listed on the marriage mentor profile. Others offer hybrid models where they can design some sessions to be done in-person and some online. Some mentors will offer all their sessions with you online. Check the profile listing on the directory. This is helpful if you are engaged to be married and two partners live in two different states or countries.
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Need help deciding on a marriage mentor?
Email [email protected] with your phone number and or whatsapp contact number and a team member can ask you some questions to help hone in on choosing the right mentor for you. Feel free to include details like "We are engaged to be married", or "One partner recently accepted Islam" or "We have been married for 7 months" etc.
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What is the cost of taking the program?
Mentors run their private practice and costs can vary slightly. Expect to pay an average of $650AUD. Mentors set their rates based on experience in the field. Visit the mentor's website or contact them via their profile details to enquire directly about cost and availability.
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Need more info?
Visit this page: https://benevolenceaustralia.org/start-your-good-beginning
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How long does it take?
Duration: Approximately Four Weeks. Sessions with a mentor are on average 1 hour meetings x 4 sessions. Set aside time to do any reflective exercises that your mentor sets outside of the session. Curriculum: A comprehensive exploration of relationship dynamics, communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and more. A total of 8 modules as shown above.
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What's the difference between Marriage Mentoring/Coaching Vs Marriage Counselling?
Coaching & Mentoring is generally focused on who you are right now and where you want to be. It is anchored by reflective practice and goal-setting. Counselling explores your yesterday and focuses on the healing of past wounds and experiences.
