When building and checking off items on your wedding to-do list, you may have venue, guest list, and food. One item that you might not have but you should consider is attending premarital counseling.
No matter how strong your relationship is, attending premarital counseling can be extremely beneficial for both you and your partner. Throughout this article, we will discuss some of the biggest benefits of premarital counseling.
Premarital counseling can help partners have a stronger and healthier marriage before it begins. During the process, it will help you learn how to set realistic expectations, work on conflict resolution, and improve your overall communication skills.
While there’s no set amount of topics you’ll cover, typically, you will discuss issues including spiritual beliefs, finances, affection, family, and overall strengths and issues. By having these conversations ahead of time, you’re able to prepare with your partner for when these topics or conflicts may occur in the future.
Benefits of premarital counseling
Premarital counseling is when partners can speak openly and honestly and engage on a deeper level about topics they might struggle to discuss one-on-one. Additional benefits include being able to:
Address difficult topics
Let’s face it: some topics are just difficult to talk about no matter what stage of the relationship you’re in. These can include children, family, finances, or sex. Sometimes it can feel as if you are circling around the topic instead of addressing it head-on. A safe and neutral person, such as a therapist, can be a great resource to help guide the conversation and examine the needs and feelings of both partners.
Learn healthy communication tools.
Being an active listener with your partner is one of the most effective ways to communicate. When you’re an active listener, you’re able to truly understand what the person is saying and why they’re saying it. It’s not uncommon for someone to think of their response while someone else talking. This can lead to not paying attention to what’s actually being said.
Understand how to resolve conflict.
Another big tool you can learn in premarital counseling is how to properly resolve conflicts. An example of conflict resolution could be stating how you felt when a specific event occurred and what you wanted or needed out of the situation. Instead of using blanket statements, you’re able to communicate clearly so your partner can understand the issue at hand.
Conflict resolution also teaches couples how to respond to their responsibility in a conflict. For example, instead of saying just “I’m sorry” or “it won’t happen again,” you’re able to state your role and how you will fix it.
Understand needs and values.
Throughout premarital counseling, you can discuss your needs in the relationship around inclusion and exclusion, self-identity, religious beliefs, overall responsibilities, etc. Both you and your partner will be able to agree or disagree on specific topics, and that’s okay. The main goal in this step would be to listen to each other and understand the choices being made.
Discuss marriage expectations
After getting married, it’s not uncommon for couples to feel dissatisfied in their marriage due to negative behaviors. It’s important to set realistic expectations about marriage before diving in. During counseling, you can discuss your expectations for each other around parenting, careers, and household chores.
How to prepare
Once you decide to attend premarital counseling, there are some things you should do ahead of your first session. The most important thing is to remember to keep an open mind and be open and honest with your counselor. It can also be helpful if you’re prepared to discuss goals, expectations, concerns, beliefs, careers, and family.
If you and your partner are taking the next step toward marriage, working with a counselor can help. Reach out today to learn more about premarital counseling.
Begin Working With A Premarital Counselor in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Online in Arizona
Our therapists and counselors have worked with many couples over the years as they prepare for marriage. If you’re ready to take this step, please reach out to learn more. We may have an office potentially near you and if we don’t you could participate in online premarital counseling. Our office locations include Phoenix, Anthem, Scottsdale and online in all of Arizona. Feel free to contact us at 623-680-3486, text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com and ask to speak with one of our counselors about Premarital Counseling. To start your counseling journey, please follow these steps:
- Contact us for a 20-minute complimentary phone call
- Meet with a premarital counselor
- Start creating a stronger foundation for your relationship!
