Here’s 5 Reasons You Should Do Premarital Counseling

No one says “I do” with the intention of getting divorced. Three of the top reasons for divorce are infidelity, financial problems and communication. Premarital counseling offers an opportunity to go deeper with your partner and have hard conversations before walking down the aisle.

When it comes to premarital counseling, this is the time to lay everything out on the table. This means talking about personal and professional goals, traumas, family history, debt, credit scores , intimacy, spending habits and more.

“I recommend premarital counseling to any newly engaged couple,” said Hannah Townsend, a sex and relationship therapist at the Atlanta Therapeutic Collective . “I have observed that counseling can be invaluable for couples preparing for marriage.”

Premarital counseling reduces the likelihood of divorce by 30 percent . The skills and insights gained through each session prepare couples to face future challenges together, fostering a resilient and enduring partnership.

“Counseling equips couples for a successful and lasting marriage,” Townsend told 21Ninety. “They address potential issues and build a solid foundation in communication, conflict resolution and shared values.”

With more Americans seeking counseling in recent years , the same should apply to premarital therapy. There are many benefits that can come from it to promote a long, healthy relationship. Here are five reasons you should consider premarital counseling.

Establishes a Strong Foundation

The key to a healthy, long-lasting relationship is a strong foundation. Townsend explained that premarital counseling allows couples to identify and understand their relational strengths and areas for improvement.

“It also allows couples to foster deeper connection and understanding,” she said. “This process equips couples with the tools to build a strong foundation for their future together.”

Allows Couples to Evaluate the Relationship

Townsend explained that premarital counseling also helps couples evaluate their relationship satisfaction and alignment. By assessing these aspects, couples gain insight into their current state. They can also identify areas that may need attention.

“Therapists tailor premarital counseling sessions to a couple’s specific needs, offering targeted skills for relationship enhancement,” she told 21Ninety. “This ensures that the guidance and skills provided are directly applicable to the couple’s unique situation.”

Improves Communication

Another significant benefit of premarital counseling is improved communication.

“Couples learn effective ways to communicate and listen to each other,” Townsend said. “This is crucial for resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship.”

Premarital counseling provides strategies for managing and resolving conflicts constructively. This helps couples productively navigate disagreements.

Create a Financial Plan

Financial planning is another important topic that couples address in premarital counseling. Townsend explained that managing finances is essential for a stable relationship.

“Counseling helps couples develop a shared approach to financial management,” she said.

Builds a Deeper Relationship

Counseling delves into individual personalities, relationship dynamics, religious beliefs and family backgrounds.

Some topics that a couple might dive into might include personal habits, levels of assertiveness or self-confidence, avoidance behaviors, attachment styles, and partner roles and responsibilities. Parenting and family planning are also significant topics. Couples also might explore cultural and family backgrounds, such as ethnic and cultural differences, relationships with family and friends, and differing value systems.

“These discussions prepare couples for future family dynamics and responsibilities,” Townsend said. “When couples develop a deeper understanding of each other, it helps them appreciate each other’s differences and work together more effectively.”

In these deeper conversations, couples will also explore spiritual harmony. Discussing religious views during premarital counseling ensures compatibility by examining spiritual beliefs, values and practices.

“Premarital counseling primes couples for meaningful discussions where they celebrate their strengths and address areas needing growth,” she added. “These deep conversations are vital for building a strong, lasting relationship.”

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