Premarital Marriage Counseling
According to the Mayo Clinic, marriages are most vulnerable to divorce in their early stages. You can avoid an untimely split by working out potential problems before making a long-term commitment. Premarital counseling is an excellent way to build a solid foundation with the help of an objective professional.
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Definition
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The Mayo Clinic describes premarital counseling as therapy sessions conducted before marriage to help a couple prepare themselves for the new phase of their relationship. It helps them identify and resolve issues and develop healthy conflict resolution skills.
Providers
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Premarital counseling is usually provided by a licensed mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist (MFT). MFTs are counselors with special training in working with couples. The Mayo Clinic says that some churches provide premarital counseling and some require it as a prerequisite for having a clergy member perform the ceremony. Premarital counseling is covered under some insurance plans, but it may have to be paid for out of pocket.
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Scope
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The Mayo Clinic explains that premarital counseling often focuses on particular areas. These may include finances, each person's role and responsibilities in the marriage, anger management, decision making, financial arrangements, communication, spirituality, conflict resolution, children and parenting styles. The counseling sessions clarify each person's expectations and intentions so there will be no unpleasant post-marriage surprises.
Expectations
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A good premarital counseling will prepare a treatment plan based on the first session. It should outline the treatment goals and steps to achieve them. Many counselors use tools like questionnaires and written exercises during the sessions, according to the Mayo Clinic. There will also be verbal questions and discussions. The couple should expect to see steady movement toward the goals.
Time Frame
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The Wed Alert wedding planner site states premarital counseling is most effective at preventing divorce when it occurs in the year prior to the wedding. It can also help if done within the first six months of marriage. Premarital counseling usually runs between five and seven sessions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additional sessions can be scheduled for couples who feel they need additional help or preparation before marriage. Each person may choose to visit an individual counselor if personal issues are uncovered in the couple's therapy.
Alternative
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Some couples opt for marriage preparation groups rather than individual counseling, according to Wed Alert. These groups are held at counseling offices, social service agencies or houses of worship. They are usually cheaper than counseling sessions and offer the added benefit of providing a support system of other couples; however, they may make some people nervous about speaking freely because they are not private.
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References
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