Even if you and your partner connect on every level obvious to you right now, it's still a good idea to visit a premarital counselor together. One survey found that couples who attended private therapy sessions together were more satisfied in their relationships and experienced a 30% decline in the likelihood of divorce (Journal of Family Psychology) down the line.
Married life will come with plenty of sticking points, challenges, and hard conversations. Whether you're entering a civil union, a domestic partnership, or a traditional marriage, here's why premarital therapy is a great idea for a relationship that lasts.
Improve Communication Styles
Ask any older couple what the key to a successful marriage is and they'll likely say the same thing: communication.
It's vital to have open and honest communication channels with your partner. In doing so, you'll be able to clearly express your thoughts and emotions, effectively resolve any relational conflict as it arises, and perhaps most rewarding, you'll form a deeper connection with one another.
We should note that in your marriage you'll communicate in a variety of ways. These include:
- Verbal conversations
- Nonverbal communication
- And physical actions
Your therapist will help you learn effective communication strategies and how to adapt to the needs of your partner for a more successful relationship.
Create Shared Goals/Dreams for Your Future
Researchers have found that a happy marriage is one of the most important life goals for 93% of Americans (WebMD). Of course, you both want a successful and happy marriage. But planning for your future together isn't always easy.
A premarital counselor will help you actively plan for the future and align your shared goals for a new family. They'll help you establish resolutions and compromises that combine to meet the desires of you and your partner. These can include goals for serious topics like finances, kids, property purchases, and even sexual intimacy.
With those goals in mind, you'll have a clear path to a more positive and rewarding marriage.
Discover New Things About One Another
Like other counseling professionals, relationship therapists are trained to ask a lot of challenging questions. Due to the persistence of stigmas surrounding mental health and therapy, we all tend to bottle up emotions and thoughts. Therapy can help bring those suppressed emotions to the surface so you can work through issues in a healthy way.
During your sessions, your pre-marital counselor can help bring out important information that your partner might have been reluctant to share. This provides a great growth opportunity for you as a couple to listen and learn more about each other.
Overcome Marriage Anxiety
Tying the knot is a big decision, so it's easy to understand why you might be anxious about it. It's a long-term commitment and you might not know what to expect during your relationship. That's where therapy can help.
During your counseling sessions, you'll be able to confront your causes of anxiety and work through them together. By talking through your issues head-on, you and your partner can realign your shared expectations of marriage. This can help you both feel reassured that you're making the right decision and set you up for a successful marriage.
Pre-Marriage Counseling is for Everyone
Don't shrug off the idea of searching Chicago for premarital counseling services too quickly. Even if you've maintained a strong relationship for multiple years, you can still benefit from seeing a couple's counselor.
There is no such thing as a "perfect union," but therapy can help you get closer to that type of quality dynamic. During your marriage counseling sessions, you can strengthen your relationship by discussing topics like:
- Parenting styles
- Gender roles
- Approaches to decision-making
- Individual and joint finances
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Shared dreams for retirement
- And more
By taking this proactive approach to your marriage before it begins, you'll create an even stronger foundation for your future together.
Book Your Initial Session in Chicago for Premarital Counseling Today
You'll encounter plenty of potential challenges throughout your marriage. Give your union the best possible beginning by attending premarital counseling in Chicago at Wellington Counseling Group.
Our licensed relationship therapists will equip you and your partner with the knowledge and skills you need for a happy marriage. With our guidance and support, you'll be well set up for the journey of marriage.
Contact Wellington Counseling Group today to get started with our Chicago premarital counseling specialists.