3 Reasons To Consider Premarital Counseling

December (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, specifically) is the most popular time to pop the question. Thousands of couples all across the States will get engaged this month. With so many new couples preparing to spend the rest of their lives together, I thought it would be appropriate to use this week’s blog to shed some light on one of my services I don’t talk about as frequently: online premarital counseling.

Premarital Counseling – What Is It?

Unlike stereotypical couples counseling sessions, premarital counseling isn’t designed for couples who need to address major issues or overcome serious challenges. Instead, it is specifically designed for couples that are preparing to get married. Premarital counseling provides an opportunity for soon-to-be-married couples to address any issues that may need to be resolved before tying the knot, as well as to devise a plan and a strategy for their future marriage.

What Couples Should Get Premarital Counseling?

All couples can benefit from premarital counseling. If you are getting married in a church or other religious venue, your venue may require you to complete some level of premarital counseling before you may be allowed to get married in their space. If your venue does not require it, pursuing online premarital counseling services may be an easy, affordable alternative. While premarital counseling may be especially beneficial for couples who have not been together very long, it can be incredibly helpful for all couples who are preparing to tie the knot (regardless of how long you have known each other).

What Are Some Reasons To Consider Premarital Counseling?

There are multiple reasons why premarital counseling can be beneficial. Below are a few of the top reasons engaged couples may wish to consider premarital counseling before getting married.

1. Determine How You Will Handle Conflict. Every marriage – even the happiest ones – will inevitably experience conflict at times. It can be hard to think things through clearly when tensions are high, which can sometimes lead to unnecessarily harsh words and hurt feelings. Premarital counseling provides a safe, conflict-free zone where you can devise a strategy for how you will handle future challenges. When conflicts do arise, you will be able to use this strategy to guide your actions.
2. Evaluate Your Financial Situation. Financial issues can cause greater stress and tension in a relationship than almost any other factor. Premarital counseling offers an opportunity to have an open, honest conversation about not only your current financial situation, but also your plans for how you will handle your finances in the future. Once you get married you may be held legally liable for your partner’s outstanding loans or other debts, so now is also the time to make sure you have a clear understanding of your partner’s financial obligations.
3. Dig Deeper. Your partner is a living, breathing, dynamic individual whose personality and beliefs have been shaped by a lifetime of experiences. Extremely personal experiences, such as those related to sexual history or abuse, are less likely to come up in everyday conversation, yet these intimate topics are likely to have the greatest impact on your partner’s beliefs and personality. Premarital counseling creates an opportunity to learn about your partner’s intimate history and how it has shaped him/her to become the person they are today.