FAQ's about ContemporaryCouples.com

Never before has so much evidence-based information about same-sex couples, relationships, and the science of love been assembled in one location and made available to so many people. We hope you will take the opportunity to find out how our webinars can enrich your life and the lives of others. Listed below are answers to some of the Frequently Asked Questions. For more information, email us at info@ContemporaryCouples.com or call our toll-free line at 1-800-376-8840.

1. What is the mission of ContemporaryCouples.com?
Our mission is to teach LGBTQ singles and couples research-based skills for creating and maintaining loving long-term relationships through interactive web seminars (webinars). A growing body of social science shows same-sex couples the best ways to communicate, negotiate differences, keep romance alive, and connect intimately while still maintaining individuality. The LGBTQ community deserves the very best information available, and ContemporaryCouples.com is honored to provide it.

2. What is a webinar?
"Webinar" is the term used to refer to web conferencing or web seminars in which people from multiple locations can participate in live training, presentations, and meetings via the Internet. In a webinar, each attendee sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants by clicking on a link distributed by e-mail (meeting invitation). The instructor is visible on live video and speaks over a standard telephone line, or Voice Over Internet (VoIP) while presenting information onscreen such as PowerPoint, live or streaming video, and other documents. Instructors can even write or draw on their screen using a "whiteboard" - much like using a blackboard in a traditional classroom. Essentially, participants can view anything on the instructor's screen. Webinars can use polling and question & answer sessions to create collaborative conversation between the audience and the presenter. The participant's telephone line is typically on "listen only" mode until unmuted by the presenter.

3. What types of webinars do you offer and how do I register?
ContemporaryCouples.com offers a variety of course options to fit your needs. Topics in these webinars cover research-based information on communication skills, conflict regulation, bonding, emotional and sexual intimacy, and proactive steps for strengthening connection and increasing good will. Click here to review course descriptions, dates, times, and tuition. Simply click on the registration button to make your payment and begin the registration process.

4. What are the credentials of the instructors at ContemporaryCouples.com?
Our instructors and guest presenters come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Some are licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists. Others are welcoming and affirming clergy, behavioral researchers, educators, or other professionals with years of experience in the field of relationship education. All of our instructors have been carefully selected by Jeff Lutes Counseling & Consulting, LLC.

5. Are the webinars educational instruction or couples therapy?
Our webinars are educational classes, not counseling or psychotherapy. Our instructors share material and exercises that participants can then practice privately with a partner if they so desire. Participants can share if they want to - or listen and learn without ever speaking. No one has to talk if they don't want to - which makes webinars at ContemporaryCouples.com an attractive choice for those who normally dislike groups. By listening to other people share, participants learn to negotiate relationship challenges that most couples have in common.

6. What about my personal issues? Are those addressed in the webinars?
No. Our instructors do not involve themselves in the specific personal issues of each participant. Instead, our goal is to teach skills derived from social science research that allow participants to then discover solutions that best fit their unique circumstances. Our webinars are not intended to replace counseling or couples therapy. However, participants who are in private psychotherapy will likely find that our webinars supplement counseling with practical tools that help them reach their goals faster than with therapy alone.

7. How many and what kinds of people can participate in your webinars?
Our classes are open to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults of all ages from a variety of life experiences and cultural backgrounds. Some classes may have only a few couples or individuals, while others may have dozens of participants. Young couples often learn from the experience and insight of older couples, and older couples are likely to benefit from the fresh perspectives and new ideas of those who are younger.

8. Are webinars at ContemporaryCouples.com offered in other languages?
Our webinars are currently offered in English only. However, our goal is to expand our services and offer classes in other languages as soon as possible. We want LGBTQ couples and singles from diverse backgrounds to benefit from the information and skill building we offer.

9. I'm single. Can ContemporaryCouples.com help someone like me who is not currently in a relationship?
Absolutely. Our webinars can help single LGBTQ participants learn more about their personal communication and attachment styles and identify past barriers to healthy relationships. Learning more about the dynamics of commitment, communication, intimacy, and passion can help singles choose healthier partners and increase the likelihood of a successful same-sex partnership in the future.

10. We've been dating for some time and recently decided to make a long-term commitment. Do you offer any "pre-commitment" courses for those planning a civil union, holy union, or marriage ceremony?
Yes. Our Commitment Prep track combines online instruction with private consultation. Couples begin by taking the 90-minute Bulletproof Bonding webinar to learn research-based and practical skills. They then schedule one private webinar consultation with a member of our professional staff to identify and proactively plan for specific challenges that are likely to emerge over the course of their life together. To register for the Commitment Prep track click here.

11. I'm a supportive friend or family member and would like to give the Commitment Prep track to a loved one who is planning a holy union, civil union, or marriage ceremony with their partner. Can I purchase the course as a gift?
Definitely. The Commitment Prep track makes a wonderful gift for your LGBTQ loved one who is planning a wedding or other commitment ceremony. The Commitment Prep track is positive, informative, and tailored to meet the specific needs of each couple (see FAQ # 10 above). To purchase this gift for your family member or friend click here.

12. What is the cost of a ContemporaryCouples.com webinar?
Tuition varies depending on the length of the curriculum. We're confident that you'll find participation in our webinars to be an invaluable investment in the welfare of your relationship. Real change is quite possible, even with those couples that have been engaged in destructive patterns for a long time. We'll provide the tools, and then it will be up to you to do the ongoing work in your relationship. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

13. Does insurance cover the webinars at ContemporaryCouples.com?
No. We provide education and consultation. Most insurance plans with mental health benefits cover only psychotherapy. Nonetheless, we believe that learning healthy relationship skills is a long-term investment that will help your relationship and keep it blossoming for many years to come.

14. What if my partner and I feel stuck with our therapist, or don't have a therapist at all? Are there any services at ContemporaryCouples.com that can help us?
In addition to our webinars, we offer time-limited consultation to couples using a unique approach. Couples can meet with a pair of our consultants through the webinar platform, thereby receiving twice as much experience and professional feedback. These consultations are usually limited to no more than three sessions with the goal of generating new ideas, possibilities, and potential solutions that the couple can use going forward in their relationship and/or in their work with a therapist. The couple is free to invite their regular couples therapist to the consultations as well, at no additional charge. For more information click here.

15. My company, organization, or welcoming and affirming congregation would like to sponsor a live workshop on same-sex relationships in our community. How can we book Jeff Lutes for this event?
Jeff is available for on-site workshops and seminars to groups, organizations, businesses, and communities of faith that welcome and affirm same-sex couples and LGBTQ people. A variety of formats are available, ranging from a two-hour seminar to a full weekend workshop loaded with information and experiential exercises. You'll find that Jeff is engaging, well-informed, and eager to help all those participating in the workshop experience. To discuss your group's needs, review fees, and check date availability, please contact us at info@ContemporaryCouples.com or call the office toll-free at 1-800-376-8840.