1. You and your partner are taking proactive steps to create a stable, healthy, and happy marriage
The first, and perhaps most obvious, benefit of attending counseling before marriage is that you are taking proactive steps to build a solid foundation for your marriage. You will learn how to identify communication styles, develop conflict resolution skills, and feel more comfortable seeking professional help should challenges arise in the future.
2. Create shared goals (and dreams) for your future
You and your partner might have different ideas of what a successful marriage looks like. Premarital counseling can help you identify what each person hopes to get out of the marriage and create shared goals for your future together. It can also help you identify resolutions that combine what both you and your partner want.
3. Identify, understand, adapt to, and improve communication styles
We all have our own unique communication styles, and sometimes, it takes intentional effort to understand others' styles. Therapy helps you better understand your and your partner's strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. Equipped with this knowledge, you'll be better able to talk through potential problems instead of arguing about them or ignoring them.
4. Talk through conflicts before they become a bigger problem
Many of the challenges you will face in marriage may already be present in your relationship. Many couples avoid talking about their issues because they incorrectly assume that in the happiness of newlywed life, those issues will simply go away. This causes small conflicts to grow into larger problems, which will only become more difficult to work through. Premarital counseling helps you work through any issues now so they don't lead to difficult challenges down the road.
5. Address marriage anxiety or "cold feet"
The thought of a lifelong commitment can be scary for a lot of people, no matter how much they love their partner. If you or your partner is experiencing any anxiety surrounding your upcoming marriage, counseling can help. During your sessions, your therapist will help identify possible causes for your newfound apprehension and provide tools and resources for working through those anxious feelings. Addressing anxiety head-on helps you and your significant other feel reassured that getting married is the next positive step in your relationship.
Things to keep in mind
To get the most from counseling, it's important to understand a few things. For starters, remember that counseling will likely be challenging. You’ll need to have some difficult conversations during your sessions. This can be scary but it's how you and your partner will grow for the better.
And remember: don't downplay your feelings. For many people, it feels "easier" to downplay things so that it seems like you and your partner are completely compatible. The truth is, every relationship experiences challenges and conflict and it's important that you feel comfortable enough to express your emotions without holding back.
Learn more about premarital counseling in Chicago
If you’re interested in learning more about premarital counseling in Chicago, reach out to us today at Wellington Counseling Group.
Our licensed therapists will help you build a strong foundation for your marriage and equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to have a happy marriage.
Contact us today to learn more.