Premarital Counseling: A Foundation for Lasting Marriages in Boca Raton, Florida
When you’re planning for a wedding, there’s a lot to think about: the flowers, the food, the speeches. Amidst all the preparation for that one special day, however, it’s important to make sure that you also prepare properly for what comes after. For many busy couples, premarital counseling might seem like an unnecessary distraction, but it often turns out to be the best investment they ever make.
Why premarital counseling matters and what it can do for you
There’s nothing that will contribute more to your long-term happiness, not to mention your financial security and the wellbeing of any future children, than a happy marriage that lasts a lifetime. The sobering truth, however, is that nearly 50% of American marriages end up in divorce.
When you are in love, happy and looking forward to spending your life together, it’s easy to imagine that this couldn’t possibly apply to you. However, the vast majority of couples whose marriages broke down felt the same way. It’s not accurate to say that half of all newlyweds are incompatible. The vast majority went in with the right attitude but hadn’t made the necessary preparations for when a bump in the road came up. Even if you are one of the rare couples who have never yet argued about anything, premarital counseling might still be useful since it will prepare you for unexpected situations.
The importance of premarital counseling has long been recognized within different religious communities, and many clergypeople consider faith-specific premarital counseling a necessary prerequisite for marriage. However, the need for premarital counseling among secular couples is no less great. For couples that are not religiously affiliated or couples working within a religious structure that want extra support, booking sessions with a couples therapist can be just as effective.
The benefits of premarital counseling
There are many benefits that premarital counseling can give you as you prepare for a future life together. What you focus on in sessions will depend on the unique circumstances of your relationship, but here are some of the more common themes.
Setting expectations. When things are going well it’s easy to leave unresolved issues to a future date. Why rock the boat and worry now about what you both want in terms of children, career, or lifestyle? Counseling is the perfect setting to discuss these issues in the open, with the guidance of someone familiar with the pitfalls that married couples experience. Knowing what your partner wants from marriage gives you the opportunity to make realistic plans that will satisfy both of your needs.
Identifying the seeds of future conflicts. The mutual infatuation of new couples can hide a multitude of sins, but this infatuation won’t last forever. Already, there will be minor problems in the way you treat each other that, when the going gets tough, can easily spiral into mutual recrimination, blame, and endless arguments. A seasoned couples therapist can help you identify these problem spots in advance and prepare for them accordingly.
Conflict resolution. Given enough time, every couple argues. A successful marriage relies on you having the ability to resolve your conflicts before the spiral out of control and take all the joy out of your relationship. Premarital counseling can give you the tools to resolve arguments when they happen. The best way to navigate conflict depends very much on your individual personalities and a seasoned professional can help you identify how your personalities might clash and what to do about it.
Clearing resentments. There is perhaps no force that does more to undermine a relationship from within than resentment. Premarital counseling gives you the chance to air resentments before they have the chance to become toxic.
Premarital counseling in Boca Raton, Florida
Lionhearted Counseling has an experienced professional team in Boca Raton, FL providing premarital counseling to couples looking to get their marriage started on the right foot. To find out more or to schedule an appointment get in touch today. You can pick up the phone or fill out the contact form.
