Premarital counseling can be the most valuable gift a couple can give to each other. With premarital counseling, you can make instant improvements in your relationship and build a foundation for a long and happy marriage.
Below are some of the major benefits of premarital counseling:
Major Benefits of Premarital Counseling
Decide if you’re ready to get married. Go into counseling with an open mind. Even if you discover that you and your partner may need to delay the wedding while you work on some issues, it’s much better to move ahead thoughtfully and confidently than stick to a date that feels like as though it is adding unnecessary pressure.
Set realistic expectations. It’s easy to get caught up in Hollywood notions of romance and fairy tale endings. An in-depth discussion with your partner with input from a trained and objective expert can do a world of good in helping you to separate fact from fantasy. It helps you prepare for the daily realities of sharing your lives.
Improve Communication. Skillful communication keeps a promising relationship on track. By understanding the basic principles, you’ll avoid common pitfalls that lead to arguments, hurt feelings and the build-up of resentment. With practice, you’ll discover how to give each other the support and validation you seek from one another.
Learn constructive conflict resolution skills. Disagreements are going to happen. It is inevitable as you manage the pressures of balancing careers, kids, and in-laws. By focusing on win-win solutions rather than getting your own way, you’ll grow closer instead of drifting apart.
Understand the stages of marriage. Between the honeymoon and sharing your golden years, most marriages move through predictable stages. The rocky times will be easier to endure if you know that many couples work through temporary disillusionments and setbacks.
Become a better role model for your children. When you feel stable and resilient, you give your children an environment where they feel loved and secure. Your children are likely to imitate your good habits as they grow up and find their own life partners.
How to Make the Most of Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling is kind of like preparing yourself to take a driving test before you get your license. It helps prepare you for your life together and how you might get through the inevitable challenges you will face together.
As you prepare yourselves, it’s important to find the right counselor for the both of you. For some, this may come as part of the preparations offered by religion. For others, it may be sought out through a therapist.
Beginning at least a year in advance of getting married, has been shown to be the optimal time for beginning premarital counseling as motivation and willingness is optimal. Furthermore, according to some studies, premarital counseling can improve your chances of staying together by 30% or more.
At Headway Therapy, we believe in the value of premarital counseling and we would love to help you and your partner set a solid foundation as you embark upon your lives together. If you are ready to begin premarital counseling, follow the steps below:
- Contact Headway Therapy.
- Meet with one of our expert couples therapists.
- Begin setting a good foundation and develop your partnering skills.
Other Counseling Services at Headway Therapy
Premarital counseling is not the only service we offer in our Encinitas therapy group. Other mental health services at Headway Therapy include treatment for depression and mood, anxiety treatment, marriage counseling, therapy for teens, therapy for children, counseling and support for infertility, therapy after miscarriage, and postpartum counseling. We look forward to connecting with you!
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