4 Reasons To Go To Premarital Counseling Before Your Big Day

Premarital counseling can sometimes be stereotyped so much that people assume it’s not for them. You might think it’s for couples who are unsure about their commitment or might be getting cold feet. Some people even associate it strictly with religion. 

But, you don’t have to be religious to benefit from premarital counseling. Your relationship doesn’t have to be on the rocks. You can be happy, secure, and ready to walk down the aisle, and premarital counseling can still be beneficial. 

Not quite convinced? Let’s cover a few reasons to go to premarital counseling before you decide to tie the knot.

1. It Improves Communication

Most people will readily admit that healthy communication is a cornerstone of any strong relationship. You might think that you communicate effectively with your partner. But, do you really know much about each other’s communication styles? 

How do you handle conflicts in your relationship? Do you really understand what your partner is saying when they’re communicating with you? 

Communication isn’t just about expressing your thoughts. It’s about being an active listener. Premarital counseling can improve your listening skills, help you with conflict resolution, and guide you in better understanding each other’s communication styles. 

2. You’ll Understand Expectations

After you get engaged, a lot of your focus will be on wedding planning. But, what about marriage planning? 

Do you and your partner have the same life goals? What do you expect from your marriage? Do you want to participate in traditional roles or try something different? Do you want children? How will you handle your finances? 

Take a deep breath. It’s normal to have these questions, and if you’re not sure how to approach them on your own, counseling is a great option for working through them. You can also create a plan or “strategy” for the future to manage expectations. 

3. You’ll Discuss Values

You might think you know all there is to know about your partner, including their belief system. But, how often have you gone deeper than that? Do you know their core values, and what really matters to them? 

Finding those things out later in your marriage can sometimes come as a shock. Values often represent needs. Understanding those needs now will make it easier to come up with solutions throughout your marriage. 

Some values might even surprise you. It can be jarring to learn something new about your partner when you thought you understood their values already. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can be eye-opening. It’s better to learn those things now and work them out with the help of a professional, rather than learn them in the coming months or years and have a hard time processing them.

4. You Won’t Avoid Challenging Subjects

Things like finances, intimacy, career paths, and even family issues aren’t necessarily easy to discuss. So, it’s not uncommon for couples to table them before they get married.

Unfortunately, that can create problems later when the discussion about those things becomes necessary. 

Working through challenging subjects before your big day can help you feel more confident and comfortable. It doesn’t mean those challenges go away. But, you’ll know where you stand, where your partner stands, and how you’ll be able to manage those issues when they arise. 

Don’t let any of the stereotypes about premarital counseling keep you from trying it before you tie the knot. Even the healthiest, happiest couples go through trials, and premarital counseling can help you learn how to manage issues before they arise and improve communication throughout your marriage. 

If you’re interested in learning more or want to set up an appointment, contact us soon to learn more about premarital counseling or couples therapy.