Premarital Counseling: What to Expect From the Program

Whether you are required to obtain premarital counseling by your church, or you are simply choosing to do so, you should learn what to expect first. In many cases, the program depends on where you take part in a session, but most programs include similar teachings. Consider some ways you can expect to interact with your future spouse.

Some programs require you to meet several times for short sessions, while others plan a whole day or weekend for a one-time meeting. Either way, you can expect to feel like you are in a safe environment, which usually includes other couples in a similar situation. This will make you comfortable not only sharing with your fiancee, but also other couples around you. The setting may be serene, such as in cabins in the woods, or in a picturesque church. It could, however, be more clinical, such as in an office or recreation center. In either case, though, those in charge will usually try to make everyone feel comfortable enough to share more than they usually would among coworkers or friends. Remember this as you go into the session so that you feel open to sharing.

During the session, you may have to take a few tests. You do not have to worry about studying since you cannot pass or fail the exams. They are simply meant to help you see how much you know about your partner and yourself. In many cases, test questions will ask how you would handle certain situations, or what you already know about your future spouse. You will both take such tests, and then will go over your answers with each other and a counselor. This type of session may be in private, or it may be completed in front of several other couples. In the latter case, you will not usually be forced to share personal information, but you should still learn something since counselors may discuss the range of answers that everyone may have gotten.

During the premarital counseling, you will discuss the strengths and weaknesses in your relationship. You will likely be able to talk to your partner and a counselor at the same time, ensuring that you both get a chance to speak, and that you get some feedback from an expert. They will probably ask you some questions, and your answers may say a lot about your relationship. Not only will you likely come to some conclusions on your own, but you will also benefit from the resulting suggestions.

By the end of the premarital counseling program, your relationship should feel stronger than ever, and you should feel closer than usual to your partner. This is a good foundation for a marriage, especially if you plan to try to avoid divorce if at all costs. You should remember that no one is an expert at marriage, so you cannot expect to be perfect at it from the very beginning. Getting help from counselors can ensure you get off on the right foot.