1. Lower Your Chance of Divorce
Put premarital counseling at the top of your "things to do" list when you're planning your wedding. With more than half of all marriages ending in divorce, seeking premarital counseling is a wise choice. Research shows, too, that it doesn't matter if you already live together. That doesn't improve your chances of success in married life. In fact, couples who live together before marriage may have less of a chance to stay together for the long haul than their counterparts. One way to get premarital counseling is through your pastor, clergy or religious organization. Many spiritual organizations offer premarital counseling sessions free of charge, especially if you are already members of the organization.
2. Counseling in the Classroom
Many communities have premarital workshops and group classes available. Whatever the cost, it's well worth the investment. When you look for a class, look for ones that offer conflict resolution sessions, defining husband and wife role expectations and effective communication lessons. Of course, group classes are not for everyone. You and your partner may prefer private counseling, but many couples find the classroom setting beneficial and like learning from other couples and with other couples. Group discussions may lead to better understanding of potential marriage problems.
3. Own it Online
Marriage counseling and premarital counseling (along with family therapy sessions) may be found online nowadays. Online counseling insures your privacy, and you and your partner can study at your own pace. You may be asked to fill out basic information about yourselves so that a counselor can guide you more effectively in planning your marriage. Most people spend a lot of money and a lot of time planning a wedding, but many don't even think about planning married life together. You, as a couple, may want to strengthen your chances of marriage longevity by resolving such issues as differing spiritual beliefs, how you raise your children and how many (if any) children you both want.
4. Talk Before the Walk
Find a good, reputable marriage and family therapist in your area. Private sessions with a counselor who does not know either of you personally may be best for your premarital counseling. The length of time required for premarital counseling differs according to your experiences. If you live together and are having relationship problems now, get them resolved before you walk down the aisle. Talk about your long-term goals and lay concrete plans to reach them. Make a financial and emotional investment in your future and you may save yourself a lot of heartache down the road. And remember: If you pay a marriage therapist now, you may avoid paying a divorce attorney later.
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