FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Aug. 21, 2014) -- Representatives of the ScreamFree Institute in Norcross, Georgia, hosted two days of training on Fort Jackson this week that focused on its brand of marriage and parenting initiatives.
The class was certified by the ScreamFree Institute using the principles outlined in Hal Edward Runkel's self-help book, "The Self-Centered Marriage." Students in the class represented a cross-section of life on Fort Jackson, including employees of Moncrief Army Community Hospital, an Army chaplain who works with Soldiers in Basic Combat Training, a counselor at the Family Life Center and post volunteers. An employee with the Charleston County Detention Center also took part in the sessions.
"We go to about 40 installations a year, and one of the key things we do is spend two days training the incredible family professionals that are already on post," said Jon Kaplan, managing director of the ScreamFree Institute. "Some of them are working with chaplains, some of them are working with substance abuse (specialists), some are with the different units and battalions ... we're trying to give each of them the background information to help them be more effective and give people the help they need."
Kaplan said the program is not tailored to specifically meet the needs of military families, which is something he said the Army finds appealing.
"One of the things that made us so attractive (to the Army) is that the program is not military specific," he said."However, what we've tried to do in implementing the model is say, 'Look, we've never lived a day in your shoes. We are not the experts in this. None of us are military spouses. None of us are military professionals.'"
Kaplan said the principles of the ScreamFree Institute are universal, even if the stress placed on military families is unique.
"What we do in training these people is train them in our principles because the principles are true in any relationship, regardless of where people are or what they do every day," he said. "I think that's helped the popularity of the program within the military."
"These principles are not just good for marriage, I think they're good for ... parenting, as well," Sarah Holley, director of leadership development, told the class. "They're good in lots of relationships. I want you to be thinking about how you can use these principles whether or not you're married."
The backgrounds of participants in this week's program were as varied as their careers. They were asked to introduce themselves at the beginning of the first day of class and share some of their personal experiences with each other. Some were married, others were not. Some had children, some were divorced, but they all had one thing in common -- a counseling relationship with people whose family backgrounds were as diverse as their own.
"Some of these people will go forth and lead ongoing classes," Kaplan said. "Others will meet one-on-one with people, to give people a different way to think about marriage."
ScreamFree activities at Fort Jackson culminated in a "date night" event Tuesday at the Solomon Center. While it was designed for couples, Kaplan said individuals were welcome to attend, as well.
"What ScreamFree is about is teaching people to make staying calm their No. 1 priority," Kaplan said. "With all of the chaos of everyday life -- let alone military life -- what we teach people is that the only person they have any control over is themselves. Stop trying to control your spouse; stop trying to control your kids; and start focusing on the only person you can control."
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