What are the Benefits of Pre-Marital Counseling?

For better or worse. Those words seem easy to say at the time because you're planning your future, imagining together, and maybe not planning for the worst. However, pre-marital counseling can be so helpful in setting a strong foundation for your relationship BEFORE hardship comes. It's a preventative measure! 

Benefits of Pre-Marital Counseling

It can be hard to make the decision to go to couples counseling because most people assume you only do that when things aren't well, which could not be further from the truth! Going to couples counseling means you are dedicated and brave enough to face problems. It means you are investing in a better future for you and your partner. 

So then why do people go to pre-marital counseling? Let's be clear, you don't have to be engaged or planning to get married to go to pre-marital counseling. All you need is the desire to build a stronger relationship! 

Far too many couples let their relationship issues sit on the back burner, percolating. But the better option is to get ahead of it. Pre-marital counseling is a preventative measure.

Here are some of the most common relationship topics covered in pre-marital counseling.

Communication & Conflict Resolution

This can involve learning active listening skills, expressing needs, and managing emotions while speaking together. This can also include exploring how you fight and how you repair after a fight.

Finances 

Let's be real, finances can make or break a lot of relationships, which makes getting ahead of this early helpful. We'd explore how your families of origin handle and related to money, as well as explore what's working right now and what's not. What are your financial goals together? 

Sexual & Emotional Intimacy

It's normal for sexual and emotional intimacy to evolve for couples over time. Normalizing having conversations about sex and emotional intimacy are key for long, fulfilling relationships! How are you expressing your needs? How does your partner receive that?

Families of Origin

Whether we want to or not, we all bring our families of origin into our relationships. Pre-marital counseling will give you the chance to explore what you'd like to keep and what you'd like to chuck. Were there ways your parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins interacted with their partners in a way you want to follow? Or avoid? 

Culture, Values, & Beliefs

Culture, values, and beliefs are fundamental to our closest relationships. What racial, religious, political, gender/sexuality beliefs do we hold? How do we discuss these together as a couple, and are there major differences? How do we navigate these together in a way that is respectful of everyone? 

These are ultimately just a few of the reasons you and your partner should consider exploring pre-marital couples counseling. It can be helpful to work ahead of common issues that come up now so your future selves can thank you later!

If you are interested in pre-marital counseling options with Dr. Cacace, please get in touch! I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.