Pre-Marital Counseling – What Can It Do For You?

Don't laugh when I bring up the issue of pre-marital counseling! Perfect couples don’t grow on trees and while you can't think of a single thing that bothers, concerns, or irritates you when it comes to your fiancé, you have no idea what the future holds.

Perhaps you've never noticed his undying commitment to poker on Sundays because you don’t currently live with one another. Maybe his 'secret stash' doesn’t bother you now, but what will happen when it comes time to establish joint checking accounts? Pre-marital counseling can help shed light on the factors that often take a toll on married couples, as well as provide ample preparation for the adventure to come.

Why Pre-Marital Counseling?

Many couples are unaware as to just how helpful decent pre marital counseling is for newlyweds-to-be. According to a slew of studies, pre-marital counseling has the power to reduce the risk of divorce by up to 30%. Married couples tend to lead a much happier life as a result of counseling or pre marital classes. The experience also helps take away some of the stress that builds during the wedding planning process. If you're serious about starting a life with your soul mate, pre-marital counseling can certainly enhance your results.

You're probably still wondering, 'what exactly can pre-marital counseling do for me?'  For starters, pre marital counseling brings negative habits and relationship patterns to the forefront, as the longer they go unnoticed or unaddressed, the more likely they will become a problem in the future. The experience also equips couples with the skills to resolve common marital issues and handle potential hardships.

In order to ensure the success and longevity of your marriage, it's probably a good idea to become familiar with the basic relationship skills and areas of knowledge associated with many pre-marital counseling programs. Expect to touch upon information and workshops centered on:

• Expectations of your marriage
• Your compatibility as a couple
• Communication
• Your ability to resolve conflicts
• Issues of intimacy and sexuality
• Your long-term goals as an individual and a couple

Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Just keep in mind that pre-marital counseling is here to prepare scared, anxious (and sometimes confused) couples to become better wives and husbands. In the long run, the skills learned can truly strengthen a marriage.