Even though it would be possible to arrange for couples to take the new Customized Version without any face-to-face preliminary meeting, it is very important to meet with the couple first, get to know them, explain how the on line Customized Version works and perhaps to discuss such issues as: Why it is important to answer honestly and to answer individually without collusion.

The key to preventing collusion is to be open with couples and to work with their motivation. Discuss what is the purpose and value of responding independently. Discuss the dangers associated with collusion and answering dishonestly. Help the couple to see how honest and uninfluenced personal responding is going to be a benefit them as individuals and as a couple. If you are really concerned about a couple, maybe it is best to get them to respond independently on your own computer system (simply provide your email in place of the couple’s emails).

This session is also an important opportunity to form a working relationship with couples and to spend time talking with them about how they met and what attracted
them to one another and their reasons for wanting to become involved in the Prepare-Enrich program. Of course, sometimes a couple’s circumstances will be such that an
initial face-to-face meeting is not viable (e.g. one partner or both are overseas) and the on-line system will prove very helpful in making it possible for them to complete the inventory.