Who has time for premarital counseling?

Many studies show that premarital counseling gives couples a better chance for a stable, lasting, and satisfying marriage. The focus is on building relational strengths and gaining tools for handling extended family, individual differences, intimacy, finances, shared roles, and improving communication skills.

It is best to begin 3 to 6 months before the wedding day and attend at least 5 to 6 one-hour sessions. Each couple can request what would be most helpful to them, but a typical plan includes:

• The history of the relationship and each person’s family of origin.

• Review of one or two personality tests to identify areas of strength and needed growth in the relationship.

• Addressing personal relational issues and those that are common to every couple.

• Skill training as desired and needed

• Formulation of a plan for ongoing marital enrichment.

Most couples rate premarital counseling as very helpful in preparing them for marriage.