Couples: A Roadmap

Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) relationships are relatively unique. Many in FIFO situations enjoy some of the distinctive aspects and opportunities that this type of relationship brings. Some savour the extra time for individual development and growth apart from their partner; for others the financial benefits that sometimes go along with this type of work are an incentive; while others still say that they appreciate their time together even more as a result of the time apart. As in all relationships, your relationship is entirely unique and there will be pleasurable and more difficult elements.

FIFO relationships share the challenges of more traditional relationships and can potentially hold some additional pressures. Worries about the safety of your partner; loneliness; parenting pressures and differing expectations for the time you spend together are just some of the challenges commonly faced by both partners in FIFO relationships.

The 4 week Couples program highlights some of these elements and provides practical, proven strategies for their prevention or improvement. The program assists couples as they work together to nurture and maintain their relationship and overcome any problems that the pressures of FIFO produce.

Program overview

Session 1

• How do I know if this is relevant for me?
• Common challenges faced by couples in fly-in, fly-out relationships
• Reaching for a lifejacket
• Common relationship myths
• Essential qualities of a happy relationship

Building on your relationship strengths:

• Remembering what you liked about each other
• Doing the small stuff
• The important qualities for my relationship
• List of positive things I can do to make a difference

Session 2

• Understanding communication
• Barriers to effective communication
• Gender differences in communication
• Expressing yourself: Assertive communication
• The 6 steps to communicating assertively
• The importance of listening
• Active listening
• Assertive communication
• Active listening

Session 3

• Preventing conflicts
• Problem solving
• Negotiation
• Fair fighting
• Steps to fair fighting
• Rules of fair fighting
• Problem solving

Session 4

• Coupling and having fun
• Sex
• Common myths about sex
• Sensate focus
• Sexual communication
• Intimacy from a distance
• How to maintain your gains and continue improving
• Personal management plan

The Couples: A Roadmap program is priced at $121 AUD (incl. GST)