Counseling prior to marriage really pays off, according to a four-state survey of over 3,000 households published by Scott Stanley in the Journal of Family Psychology (March, 2006). According to the survey, couples who completed marriage counseling were 31% less likely to divorce than those who did not. They also reported higher marital satisfaction, lower marital conflict, and improved commitment levels.
Marriage counseling prior to the wedding can be viewed as a prenuptial and can be offensive for some. This is becoming less of an issue as couples counseling becomes much more common. To effectively assist you, the California Association for Marriage Family Therapists created a list of principles. Some good reasons to attend pre marriage counseling include a failed marriage, issues with commitment, or a history of abuse. Minor obstacles can often become catastrophes later, so addressing them early and with professional assistance is important.
On your first pre marriage counseling session you will receive a Pre Marital Inventory (PMI) test. The quiz examines areas like interests, expectations of your marital roles, religious beliefs, finances, children and parenting, and sexuality. This test identifies your strengths and weaknesses and arms you with the tools to have a successful marriage.
Financial problems are the leading cause for divorce, so money is often a primary reason couples seek pre-marriage counseling. Mental health counselors profess that control is at the root of the argument. One person often assumes control of the finances, causing stress in the marriage. Though difficult, couples should deal with finances as a team and marriage counselors can help make this a smooth transition.
Pre marriage counseling is also important because those entering a marriage often have false conceptions. A popular but mistaken belief is that the main factors contributing to a long marriage are luck and love; instead, commitment and companionship actually play a more important role. Christian marriage counseling before the wedding ensures that your marriage begins without a hitch.
Author: Andrew Tenco
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