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Is Pre Marriage Counseling Worthwhile?

by Philip West

Since you are reading this article on pre marriage counseling, it is probably because you are in a committed relationship. Now you and your partner are contemplating ramping it up some on the committment scale. You're very much in love with this person, and the feeling is mutual. What more do you need? Why would you desire to bare your souls before some stranger in pre marriage counseling sessions?

Well, perhaps injecting some 3rd-party objectivity into the situation would be helpful. Professional counselors are well trained in the intricacies of what makes people do what they do. Years of behavioral research have equipped them to understand people in stressful situations and crises. Their arsenal includes methods by which couples can find more satisfaction and better communication in their marriages. Before you say "I do", my advice to you is you should attend pre marriage counseling. This will do two things for you. First, it will help you and your partner understand 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.

Pre marriage counseling has been proven to reduce the incidence of divorce. Couples who attend pre marital counseling sessions are better able to handle difficult situations 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 for marriage. Counseling may be a single, intensive session, or it might be in the form of a course that lasts a few weeks.

So, once you've decided that pre marriage counseling is right for you, where do you go? 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. You might even find that online marriage counseling suits your needs. Secular counselors work primarily from a psychological perspective, whereas religious counselors also try to provide spiritual guidance as a foundation for your relationship.

Popular topics of discussion in pre marital counseling courses include values and beliefs, development of conflict resolution skills, sex and intimacy, communication skills, marriage expectations, family goals, role relationships, child rearing, and family finances. Also, some pre marriage counseling courses include the sharing of group experiences, outside reading and homework assignments These activities are all designed to help couples build a solid foundation for their life together.

Before choosing a counselor, check his or her licensing or certification, education, experience, and professional associations. Also, it's a good idea to ask for references Keep in mind that pre marriage counseling is an important investment in your happiness.