Does Premarital Counseling Work?

What is Premarital Counseling? Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that occurs

prior to a couple getting married. The purpose is to support couples through any

challenges they may be encountering through providing education, conflict management strategies, improving communication, and guidance for a long-lasting marital relationship. Additionally, it is also a time to identify and embrace the couple’s strengths – what is going well!

In this blog, the goal is to gain a deeper understanding of premarital counseling outlining the benefits through the process.

Benefits:

• Improved Communication – The therapist guides the couples towards learning and utilizing effective communication skills. They begin to become more aware of their current communication styles and replace the unhealthy patterns with new ways of expressing their thoughts and feelings to each other in a safe manner. Using new communication techniques generally leads to better understanding and conflict resolution.

• Conflict Resolution – Every romantic relationship encounters conflicts and is inevitable. Counseling provides couples with tools and strategies to navigate conflicts by gaining an understanding of each partner’s position and reasons behind them, including ethics, belief systems, and childhood experiences. Learning how to navigate challenging conflicts strengthens relationships and prevents future escalation.

• Adjusting Expectations – Individuals have certain expectations when entering a committed relationship and when they are unmet, feelings of disappointment and sadness appear. Learning how to adjust the expectations of your partner can help you both maintain stability and calmness.

• Intimacy and Connection - Counseling can deepen your emotional and physical connection to one another and strengthen your bond. Exploring topics such as trust, intimacy, vulnerability, and commitment can foster a deeper connection. Various interventions are utilized to draw couples closer together and establish rituals of connections.

• Strengths and Weaknesses – Assessments are generally used to identify the relationship’s strengths and weaknesses as well as exploring areas that need improvement. This process can bring self-awareness for each partner and work together towards changes that will enhance their relationship well-being proactively.

• Healthy Relationship Skills – Premarital counseling provide couples with essential skills for building a healthy and successful marriage. These skills possibly include effective communication skills, compromising, and problem-solving skills.

• Reduced Risk of Divorce – Research studies have suggested that pre-marital counseling may lead a couple towards reducing the risk of divorce. Investing in premarital counseling may help partners build a resilient and loving relationship. The counseling process supports couples to establish a shift in marital mindset supports couples towards a long-lasting marital relationship.

• Prevention of Future Problems – In the counseling process, addressing potential issues and challenges prior to your big wedding day may help prevent them from becoming significant problems in the future. Identifying and addressing all concerns prior to marriage can build a stronger foundation for their relationship.

• Increased Confidence – Premarital counseling helps couples feel more confident about setting their marriage up for a successful journey. They gain a greater understanding of each other and their relationship through the counseling journey. This can provide a sense of security and stability. Many couples report that they feel much more comfortable with their decision about getting married after their premarital counseling experience.

Support and Guidance – Premarital counselors serve as a neutral third party when working with couples. They provide support and guidance as they move towards the transition of marriage. Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced therapist to turn towards following your transition into marriage can be invaluable during this time of change and growth.

Premarital Counseling is overall a great investment towards a long-lasting healthy relationship. The valuable investment in your marriage before it starts is priceless. Couples will lead a happier and healthier life beginning their marital journey on the right foot.

Nurturing Connections Counseling has skilled therapists that are ready to assist you towards saving your marriage before it starts.  Please reach out when you are ready to enter the premarital counseling journey and we can schedule an appointment without any wait time. Please contact our office at 714-617-5955 or schedule an appointment directly through our website: www.nurturingconnectionscounseling.com.