Do You and Your Spouse-to-Be Need Premarital Counseling?
Whenever you’re faced with a decision whether to do something or not, it’s always wise to ask what the benefits and risks are of doing it, and the downsides of going the other way. To be sure, we don’t always know how things will end, and some decisions are ultimately a gamble. However, in some instances, we can look at the evidence available and make an informed decision. When considering marriage, this can be helped by premarital counseling. In a romantic relationship, there is likely no bigger step that the couple can take than deciding to get married. By getting married, you’re binding your lives together socially, legally, and spiritually. It’s a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and that’s often something that’s emphasized as couples make their vows to each other. As you head into marriage, being fully equipped to handle the journey ahead makes sense. The ins and outs of premarital counseling Premarital counseling is a form of talk therapy (psychotherapy) that is designed to equip couples on the road toward marriage with the wisdom they require to make an informed decision about their future together. Premarital counseling equips a couple by exploring the issues that typically come up in married life, and that have the biggest potential to undermine a marriage and its success. Each married couple is unique, but some common issues come up again and again as reasons why marital discord occurs. These issues include money, sex, expectations around roles in the household, children, relating to the in-laws, setting goals, their understanding of marriage, and handling conflict. When couples find themselves in counseling, or going through divorce, these are the issues that come up most often. When a couple goes for premarital counseling, it’s an opportunity for them to explore these issues and [...]
