Premarital counseling happens prior to a couple getting married. It helps the couple better understand one another, their pasts, expectations, and provides tools to work through issues that may come up after they walk down the aisle. While it may seem as if marriage is a fairytale, it is a lot of work. Couples going through premarital counseling should expect to find out things they didn’t know about each other, things they may not agree with, and some secrets that may make them feel differently. This can be a very humbling process.
Premarital counseling happens prior to a couple getting married. It helps the couple better understand one another, their pasts, expectations, and provides tools to work through issues that may come up after they walk down the aisle. While it may seem as if marriage is a fairytale, it is a lot of work. Couples going through premarital counseling should expect to find out things they didn’t know about each other, things they may not agree with, and some secrets that may make them feel differently. This can be a very humbling process.
What does pre-marriage counseling consist of?
Pre-marriage counseling consists of a series of sessions for a predetermined amount of time. During these sessions, the couples discuss topics like money, sex, children, fears, resentments, belief systems, relationships with another family, decision-making, and more. This is a time where everything is put on the table to help the couple air out issues before they are married.
This is a perfect time for the couple to learn how to communicate properly, how to deal with arguments and other types of stressors that may occur. It also serves as a lesson in humility, where both parties are able to look at themselves and do the work to correct any underlying issues going on. In many cases, couples don’t discuss the hard issues prior to marriage. By going through pre-marriage counseling, they are able to determine whether they are really a good fit for each other – emotionally and mentally.
The object of pre-marriage counseling is to help each partner know and understand each other better. It’s always better to be open to working through change before getting married instead of attempting to work around serious issues after the wedding because it never came up. This is the time where certain things are revealed, and it gives each partner time to heal if there have been prior issues of conflict.
There are a few assessment tools used to help couples evaluate their self-esteem, how they view others, and how they view their current partner. These are all areas that could be impacted by marriage.
Does pre-marriage counseling work and what percentage of couples do premarital counseling?
If both parties are willing to do the work, pre-marriage counseling is a good idea. Couples who receive premarital counseling before their wedding have a 30% higher marital success rate than those who didn’t. Additionally, 44% of couples on their way down the aisle agree to premarital counseling.
Premarital counseling strips all the superficial knowledge and dives into sensitive areas that may have been avoided. It’s a road of truth, understanding, and in some cases, a decision that maybe things moved too fast, or they may not be compatible with their partner.
We are dedicated to helping couples with Premarital Counseling in Overland Park, KS
Everyone has hopes and expectations of what their marriage should look like. At Armstrong Family Counseling, we help couples and individuals look at the hard truths of marriage because it takes work and a commitment to stay together. We help couples learn how to effectively communicate with each other and develop patterns that will help keep their marriage strong. This is a lesson in listening, hearing, and in some cases, healing. We focus on helping become aware of your partner’s thoughts, feelings, and needs.
Are you getting married soon and need premarital counseling? Our team of therapists provides high-quality, impactful sessions that help improve relationships. For more information on our pre-marriage services in the Overland Park, KS area, contact our office for an appointment today.