When you and your partner begin premarital counseling, your counselor will want to get to know you both as well as your relationship. In order to accomplish this, they will ask questions around the following:
- Common interests and activities
- Marital expectations
- Budget and Finance
- Children and parenting
- Intimacy
If there is a particular area that they feel needs to be explored further (for example, you note that you and your partner have very different spending habits and views on money), they’ll guide the conversation in the given direction.
Congratulations! If you have discovered this page, it is most likely because you are planning a wedding, or hoping to do so soon. This is a very exciting time in a person’s life. Maybe the date is set, the dress has been bought, the responses received, and someone has cold feet. Alternatively, perhaps you and your partner are looking to explore whether this relationship should be headed for marriage. In premarital counseling, we can help both partners in the relationship decide if marriage is best.
Marriage is a joyous and blessed union, but it is also not without challenges and sacrifices. Taking the time to discuss these possible challenges in advance is a smart option for any couple, whatever their age, socioeconomic status, or life situation. If you could benefit from premarital counseling, reach out to Thriveworks Knoxville today.
How Does Premarital Counseling Work?
Many couples are unprepared for the number of compromises and decisions that will have to be made in a marriage. There are many issues to discuss, whether a couple is in their 1st or 30th year of marriage. A Thriveworks Knoxville Premarital counselor will help you and your partner discuss many of these in advance, such as:
- Common interests and leisure activities
- Role expectations
- Communication styles
- Religion and worship attendance
- Household duties and expectations
- Budget and finance
- Children and parenting styles
- Public or private education
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Needs for space and privacy
- Where the family unit will reside
- Finances and debt
- Occupations and careers
- Holiday expectations and travel
- Relationships with extended family and in-laws
Simply because you follow through with premarital counseling does not indicate that you absolutely have to actually get married. In fact, sometimes couples undergo premarital therapy, and then find it best that they do not pursue marriage, or that a marital relationship might be a fit for them in the future, but certainly not now. The choice will be up to you and your partner, after you have explored your relationship in a deep and meaningful way.
Do not be worried that entering into premarital counseling with your partner has “sealed the deal” and you are required to actually get married now. Premarital counseling will help both you and your partner decide if marriage is the right choice. Perhaps a delay is necessary, or possibly dissolution of the relationship is the right choice. Hopefully this is not the case and wedding bells will be ringing soon, but a trained, educated, experienced counselor will help you make the best choice about your future with your loved one.
Benefits of Premarital Counseling
Many studies have shows that premarital counseling is beneficial for the relationship and can help minimize fears and separation anxiety. However, we also believe that counseling in general is helpful for the individuals in the relationship. Being in an open and honest environment where communication is encouraged and expected can help foster growth and emotional health for both members of the relationship.
As with most types of therapy and counseling, some of the benefits include:
- Confidence and assertiveness
- Patience
- Avoiding dependency and co-dependency
- Having realistic expectations of others
- Contentment
- Developing coping skills
Being a part of premarital therapy or any other type of counseling does not imply that you have a “problem” that needs fixing. Instead, it shows that you are taking the time to be prepared for future challenges and that you are invested in making your relationship succeed.
Why Choose Thriveworks Knoxville Premarital Counseling?
Through premarital counseling, couples will discover how to create vital skills to help their relationship survive the inevitable challenges it will face. Thriveworks counselors and therapists are experts in their field and ready to put their expertise to work for your relationship. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances. Reach out to us to schedule today.
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