The fact that you are investigating this article about pre marriage counseling indicates that you are probably in a very serious relationship. Now you and your soulmate are contemplating moving to the next level of committment. You love each other. Isn’t that enough? Why would you even consider sharing your private thoughts and feelings with some counselor- a total stranger?
Well, it may be that you and your lover are just too close to the situation to be impartial. Professional counselors are well trained in the intricacies of what makes people do what they do. Years of behavioral research have equipped them to better understand people in stressful situations and crises. They know methods by which couples can achieve more satisfaction and better communication in their marriages. Before you walk down the aisle, you would be well-advised to go to pre marriage counseling. This will do two things for you. First, it will help you and your partner get to know each other better. And second, it will help you both to learn about the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for you as a married couple.
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Extensive research has proven that pre marriage counseling helps reduce the likelihood of divorce. Couples who have gone through pre marital counseling typically have stronger skills for tackling problems they may face together. Pre marriage counseling creates an awareness of issues that might occur in a marriage. It also helps you to know whether or not you are really ready to take the plunge. Counseling may be a single, intensive session, or it might be in the form of a course that lasts a few weeks.
Once you’ve made the decision to attend pre marriage counseling, you now must make a choice. You can choose between secular and religious counselors. Non-profit organizations, professional marriage counselors in private practice, colleges, churches and other religious groups offer pre marriage counseling. Online marriage counseling is also available, which you might find to be more convenient. While the secular counselors work from a psychological perspective, the religious counselors also provide spiritual guidance as it relates to your relationship.
Pre marital counseling courses typically discuss questions for couples such as developing conflict resolution skills, beliefs and values, intimacy and sexuality, effective communication, family goals, marriage expectations, raising children, role relationships, and, of course, finances Some pre marriage counseling courses will also involve the sharing of experiences in a group discussion, as well as outside reading assignments and other homework exercises. These activities are all designed to help couples build a solid foundation for their life together.
Before picking a counselor, check his or her licensing or certification, educational background, experience, and professional associations. Also, it’s a good idea to ask for references Remember, pre marriage counseling is an investment in your future happiness.
Maybe you’ve seen Michael Webb on Oprah. His best seller “1000 Questions For Couples” is the most complete book of questions that couples should ask before getting married. You can read the review here:
1000 Questions For Couples
Have you considered premarital counseling? Read this: Pre Marriage Counseling: Do I Need It?
