Premarital Counselling
Are you engaged or thinking about getting engaged and want to give your marriage the best possible start? Many faith-based ceremonies require that an engaged couple attend premarital counselling or workshops prior to the marriage ceremony. Even if you are planning a civil ceremony, premarital counselling is a great idea. It’s a wonderful way to learn about and plan for changes that will inevitably take place in your marriage, which may include:
- Moving in together (combining two households)
- Decisions about starting a family
- Blending families
- Finances and values surrounding money
- Communication styles and what to do when your styles are very different
- Intimacy and sex
- Navigating in-laws and extended family
- Balancing work and life
- Goal setting – retirement, travel, bucket lists, etc.
When is it time to get help?
Just like people, relationships are always changing and evolving as a result of many variables – some within our control and others not. Having healthy discussions about some of those topics and preparing for them as much as possible will only strengthen your bond and give your marriage a great start. Long term planning may help you have a more stable relationship and avoid some of the common pitfalls that many couples ultimately face. Also, learning tools to help you navigate through some of life’s milestones – both the positive and more challenging milestones – will be helpful when you reach them.
If you feel you require further or more in-depth counselling, you can also pursue that through Insight Psychological.
Premarital counselling can help you to nurture healthy communication styles and assist you in avoiding negative patterns that can damage your marriage.
Premarital counselling treatment methods
There is no specific treatment method for premarital counselling. What you’re experiencing – will determine the best treatment for you and your individual needs. For example, therapy may include couples counselling, treatment for low self-esteem, sex therapy, trauma, etc.
What will I get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?
Your therapist may have you go through a questionnaire(s) and/or discuss with you, your vision for your relationship and life together, strength and weaknesses, as well as roles in the relationship. You will also learn more about yourself and your partner. When your relationship ultimately comes to a challenging or defining time – as they tend to do – you may be able to recall what you learned in premarital counselling to help you to navigate these rough waters. Healthy communication techniques, good planning, and effective negotiation will help you to have a satisfying marriage.
We have many therapists who can offer premarital counselling at one of our 6 locations in Alberta, as well as online counselling. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment online.
