Premarital Counseling: Is it Worth it?

One of the last things a couple probably wants to be doing in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding is spending an hour every week in the doctor’s office answering uncomfortable questions. There may be other, more exciting things to do like finding the perfect wedding guest gift bags or color patterns. It raises the question of whether premarital counseling is worth it, or if it’s simply an inconvenience for the happy couple.

The benefits of premarital counseling

When you’re considering whether to do something, knowing the benefits of doing it helps to motivate that decision. One key truth lies behind the necessity and value of premarital counseling, and that is that marriage, like any other relationship, is beset by issues and potential conflicts, and it’s wise to prepare yourself to deal with those. The fact that marriage is such a serious commitment helps to drive home the need for preparation.

Some of the benefits of premarital counseling, which is a form of talk therapy that helps a couple explore key issues that typically come up in a marriage, include the following:

Developing your communication skills

You and your partner will learn how to talk respectfully about difficult subjects you may have widely divergent opinions about.

Cultivating your conflict resolution skills

As you navigate difficult topics, your counselor will help you understand how to engage those difficult topics and feelings gracefully, and how to have conflict constructively.

Clearer mutual understanding

Premarital counseling will help you gain a clearer understanding of one another’s hopes and fears about marriage. You can then support and encourage each other in meaningful ways. It will help you become aware of any significant areas of difference that might require compromise, and awareness of your strengths as a couple.

Deeper bond and trust

As a result of working through the issues that come up, you and your partner bond more deeply and you understand and trust each other more.

Shape realistic expectations of marriage

Premarital counseling will delve into topics such as money, sexual and emotional intimacy, roles in marriage, and your goals as a couple. Talking honestly about these things will help you gain a clearer picture of what your life together will be like.

Better appreciation of your relationship

It might point out areas where strengthening and better communication need to happen, but it also highlights the strengths and gifts you bring to the table. Each couple has innate resources that it brings to handle life situations, and this kind of counseling can help you become more aware of your own.

Premarital counseling helps you to prepare for your future together, and that’s a significant reason to invest in it.

Things to consider

Premarital counseling may have many benefits, but one key question to consider is if it works. Does premarital counseling prepare you for your marriage? There are few guarantees in life, including the guarantee that a marriage will last forever, but premarital counseling sets the stage and the conditions necessary to nurture a happy and healthy marriage.

Premarital counseling helps a couple develop a healthy marriage from its inception, and it is linked with less conflict in marriage, lower divorce rates, and a relationship of greater depth and quality. Additionally, going for premarital counseling can help a couple feel at ease with counseling if they experience relationship difficulties later in their relationship that require counseling.

To begin premarital counseling at Los Angeles Christian Counseling with one of the faith-based counselors in Los Angeles, give us a call today.