Reported is a preliminary paper on research currently in progress to investigate the effectiveness of written paradoxical and linear messages given to couples within the context of marital enrichment. There are several reasons for incorporating written communication into clinical practice, e.g., they are more difficult to ignore, forget or distort than are verbal messages. Linear letters were written in a straightforward, easy to understand style, offering the couple direct feedback as to how the enricher viewed their relationship. Paradoxical letters were constructed within a paradoxical frame of reference, offering the couple a somewhat cryptic view of their relationship, where assets can be seen as liabilities, weakness as strength, etc. The couples were divided into four groups on a random basis: control, enrichment only, enrichment plus paradoxical letters, and enrichment plus linear letters. All groups were evaluated during an initial session and seven weeks later, following completion of the six-session enrichment lesson. The written communications were given to the couples following the fourth enrichment session. Trends indicate that those couples receiving enrichment plus paradoxical letters showed the greatest improvement as measured by a series of self-report marital satisfaction questionnaires. (Author)