Love. It’s tricky, it can be messy, but it also can be one of the most worthwhile pursuits. Committing to someone you love is a huge step in your relationship and is wrought with questions and high emotions.
Is this the right step? What do we do now? Are we prepared enough? What if we fall out of love?
Maybe you’ve already set a date, have the venue, know the colors and seating arrangements, and have a cake tasting scheduled tomorrow. On the other hand, maybe you’re both committed to this relationship, and are undeniably in love, but aren’t sure what to do with that marriage question your aunt keeps pestering you about. Maybe you have the date set, but after a few months engaged, you aren’t so sure if this is the healthiest thing for either of you right now.
All those situations and everything in between is a perfect reason to go to premarital counseling. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this relationship, Thriveworks Decatur wants to make sure it is set up to last.
What Is Premarital Counseling?
Premarital counseling is where you go when you’re struggling with your relationship. It’s for couples who know for sure they want to get married.
Yes, and yes! Thriveworks Decatur Premarital Counseling is broad so you can bring any concerns related to marriage to us and we can help guide you through the problem, work on essential skills, and grow as a couple. Premarital counseling focuses on three core areas: developing communication skills, identifying potential conflict areas, and learning how to properly confront and handle those troubles.
And the research points toward a positive impact. According to HealthResearchFunding.org, couples who went to premarital counseling were 30% more likely to stay in the happy, healthy marriage. With a 50% divorce rate in the United States, that can mean a lot!
Thriveworks Decatur wants to stress that going to premarital counseling does not mean something is “wrong” with your relationship. It just means you are both willing to put in the time and effort to prepare for future bumps, because there will be hardships in any relationship. Premarital counseling sets you up so you can effectively handle the problems that come your way.
So, what do we talk about in Premarital Counseling? The Thriveworks Decatur counselors strive to put you first in the counseling session, so we will base our treatment around you and your partner’s goals, questions, and concerns. Some common topics discussed include:
- Common Interests and Activities
- Role Expectations
- Communication
- Religion and/or Church
- Marriage Expectations
- Budget and Finance
- Children and Parenting
- Sexuality
- The Need for Space
- Feelings of non-commitment and identifying where they stem from
- Current concerns you have about the relationship and how to overcome them
- Should we go through with marriage?
Yes, some couples go to premarital counseling and decide in the end, marriage isn’t right for them at this time. This saves a lot of heartaches from blindsiding you later on. Now, these couples are working on strengthening their relationship even more, or maybe they decided to cut all romantic ties, and are living healthier, happier lives because of it.
Thriveworks Decatur understands that the thought of marriage (or a set date looming ahead) is both an exciting and terrifying thought. There is really nothing like what you may be feeling right now. It is healthy both for you and the relationship to get all those jitters and concerns out! That’s what we are here for. Your relationship means a lot to you, and it should be as strong as it can when it enters marriage.
What Does Premarital Counseling Look Like?
At Thriveworks Decatur, that depends on each unique situation and couple! Sometimes meeting with our counselors individually before sitting in one together is the best path. Other times, couples are ready to jump in all the way.
Every aspect of your relationship has been crafted by a unique blend of you and your partner. Together, you are preparing to embark on a journey that will continue to add to the stitch work of your relationship. That’s exciting! And requires a unique plan. Our counselors are eager to help you create it.
In general, we will talk about your goals, your concerns, what has helped in the past, what could prevent future turmoil, and possible routes of action should a problem come up. It’s not always easy to hear your partners concerns or negative thoughts about the relationship, just how it’s not easy to talk about them yourself! Thriveworks Decatur will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that all the future steps are as wonderful as you have imagined them to be.
