Utah State University Extension is offering two specialized online courses designed to provide research-based insights into marriage and relationship dynamics, including programs focused on divorce preparation and sexual mindfulness. The self-paced digital courses offer Utah residents free access to educational tools aimed at improving marital commitment or managing the transition of divorce.
Navigating Divorce and Marriage Transitions
The DivorceREADY course is designed as a self-paced online program to assist individuals in gaining clarity and confidence when considering a divorce. The curriculum provides information regarding the emotional, financial, legal, and parenting impacts associated with marital dissolution, while also offering resources for those seeking to improve their current marriage and increase commitment.
Participants in the DivorceREADY program engage with video lessons, activities, and reflection exercises over an approximate duration of five hours. Upon completing the course, learners receive a digital certificate. The curriculum includes modules covering common questions for those considering divorce, reasons why marriages are difficult to sustain, and the specific risks that put individuals at higher risk for divorce.
Additional topics within the course address how divorce may affect children and adults, the financial implications of separation, what to expect during the divorce process, and what child custody and co-parenting arrangements might look like. The course is developed by a group of researchers and practitioners, including therapists, educators, and divorce mediators with real-life experience in the field.
Strengthening Intimacy Through Mindfulness
In addition to divorce-related resources, the Sexual Mindfulness course provides a guide for understanding sexuality and deepening emotional and physical connections. Developed in partnership with the Utah Marriage Commission and hosted by Utah State University, the course was developed with primary content contributions from Dr. Chelom Leavitt, a researcher and educator specializing in healthy sexuality and couple relationships.
This program is intended for both individuals and couples seeking to strengthen their sexual relationships through research-based principles and practical tools. The course focuses on increasing awareness, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and cultivating intimacy through mindfulness and intentional communication. The curriculum covers topics such as communication about sex, sexual anatomy, differences between men and women, and the distinction between sexual destiny beliefs and sexual growth beliefs.
The Sexual Mindfulness course takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes to complete and is delivered via self-paced online learning featuring video lessons and reflection exercises. Like the DivorceREADY program, participants receive a digital certificate upon completion. The course structure includes lessons on self-compassion, mindfulness basics, emotional intimacy, and responsibility for sexual satisfaction.
Access and Resident Benefits
Both educational programs are available to the public through Utah State University Extension's online platform. While the courses are paid resources, Utah residents are eligible for a specific benefit that allows them to take the courses for free.
To access the free version of the courses, Utah residents must complete a short survey to verify their residency. Once verified, the participant receives an email containing a discount code that covers the full cost of the course. This allows residents to utilize the research-based tools and video lessons without financial burden.
Educational Objectives
The DivorceREADY and Sexual Mindfulness courses represent a specialized approach to relationship health, utilizing mindfulness-based and research-based methodologies. By offering these tools through a digital, self-paced format, the programs aim to support individuals and couples in navigating the complexities of emotional, physical, and legal relationship transitions.
Programmatic Goals
The DivorceREADY course focuses on identifying motivations for divorce and evaluating potential outcomes, while the Sexual Mindfulness course focuses on applying mindfulness practices to strengthen emotional and sexual connections. Both programs emphasize the use of practical exercises to help learners develop personalized plans for moving forward in their personal lives.
