What types of relationship problems are covered in this program?

Dr. Melnick: The Us Factor? offers specific, practical advice for dealing with all types of marital problems: sexual imbalance (one partner wants sex more than the other), lack of sexual spontaneity and excitement, lack of passion, lack of romance, resentment, feeling distant from your partner, disagreements about spending too much time at work, constant arguing, bickering, couples who never argue but are growing apart, getting your spouse to open up, getting your spouse to give you space, financial problems, parenting problems, disagreements about having children, loneliness in marriage, lack of connection, the "empty nest" syndrome, blaming and accusations and much more. Note: If you are struggling with infidelity (both the pain of a newly discovered affair and lingering problems from a past affair), my optional program Hope, Forgiveness and Love is designed to help you work through it and repair your relationship, so you can come out stronger.

How long will it take to achieve a real change/improvement in my relationship?

Dr. Melnick: Individuals and couples vary, but you may see change in yourself, your spouse and your relationship the very first day you use the techniques in The Us Factor?. As you use the program and learn more about this new way to talk to and hear your spouse, you should see substantive, lasting changes. The Us Factor? is designed to take the worry, difficulty, resentment and anger out of dealing with your spouse and your marriage. This program was created to make it easier for the both of you to live together, opening the door to recapturing your love and passion.

What makes this program different or better than others?

Dr. Melnick: The Us Factor? uses a multi-tiered approach to learning relational skills. An important part of the process is what I call observational learning, wherein you learn simply by watching others. The concepts are presented through dramatizations in which I work directly with couples. You can learn the techniques for improving your relationship simply by watching what I do with these couples and how they respond. It's a relaxed approach to learning that you can take at your own pace. I also provide exercises that you can practice on your own or with your spouse, as well as an explanation of why couples behave the way they do on video and in the written material. The Us Factor? goes far beyond "book learning" into the practical application of skills that help couples grow closer rather than drift apart.

What if my spouse/partner is not interested or willing to work on our relationship? Can I get the same results if I'm the only one participating and using the techniques?

Dr. Melnick: One person can change a relationship. This is a key concept in The Us Factor?. Of course, if your spouse is willing to use the techniques, that's great. But The Us Factor? can work for you regardless of whether your spouse is an active participant. Just watch, read and use the techniques. If you change, your spouse has to change in response to you. You'll find that the small changes you make can have a huge impact on your relationship.

Can the program be an effective alternative to counseling?

Dr. Melnick: Couples counseling has worked for many people, but it's not for everyone. Many couples will never set foot in a therapist's office because they don't want to expose their relationship to a stranger or they simply can't afford it. The Us Factor? gives you the skills you need to manage your differences and grow closer as a couple, in the privacy of your home. It's a confidential, affordable program you can use as you see fit. No judgment. No privacy issues. Just an opportunity to better your relationship at your own pace.

Will the program work for couples of all ages and in all stages of their relationship - even for those who aren't married?

Dr. Melnick: The Us Factor? is designed for anyone in a relationship. Whether you've been together for less than a year and you're having trouble communicating, you've been married ten years and one of you has had an affair, or you've been together thirty years and you're stuck in a rut of boredom and distance, The Us Factor? offers you specific skills to resolve your conflicts and bring you closer as a couple.

My husband/wife cheated on me. Can this program help?

Dr. Melnick: Yes. The Us Factor? comes with an optional program entitled Hope, Forgiveness and Love, designed specifically for couples who are enduring the shock and pain of a recent affair or who have been trying to work through an affair and are struggling with pain, anger, guilt and confusion. I provide one-on-one audio lessons for each partner to help sort through the complex mix of feelings couples have in this situation and offer practical advice on what to do and what not to do in order to heal. The program also contains three powerful lessons on DVD that are recommended for all couples struggling with affairs. In these video lessons, I work in dramatizations with couples on specific skills that you can use to move through the pain, re-build trust and create a new relationship that can be stronger than what you had before.

My spouse and I are considering divorce or have filed for divorce. Is it too late to use this program?

Dr. Melnick: Even if your marriage is frayed, if there is still a thread of hope, optimism or connection between you, I believe The Us Factor? can help you. If you still love your spouse, you have half of what you need. The Us Factor? can give you the other half: the skills to repair and re-build your relationship. I believe many couples divorce because they don't have the skills to be successful in their relationship, and they think they have no other options. You do have other options, as you will learn in The Us Factor?.

Does this program teach sexual techniques?

Dr. Melnick: No. The Us Factor? takes an in-depth look at how couples can resolve conflicts around sexual imbalance and how to re-connect to their sensuality, which is the foundation for the sexual relationship. For specific problems related to sexual dysfunction, couples should seek the help of a qualified sex therapist.

What if there is a problem with physical, emotional, sexual or substance abuse in my relationship? What should I do?

Dr. Melnick: The Us Factor? is an educational program. It is not psychotherapy or counseling, and is not designed to replace it. If there is physical, emotional or sexual abuse, alcoholism or substance abuse in your relationship, or if there are serious psychological problems, then it is important to contact your physician, therapist, clergy or legal authorities.