Pre-marital Counselling

Some thoughts by Magdalena Liem

Prevention is Better than Cure

What is Pre-marital Counselling?

When two people are falling in love, they often think that they can handle any difficulties that arise between them. During the engagement period, some couples are so caught up in their romance and wedding plans that they don’t experience much conflict. However, they will eventually experience times of conflict, hurt and letting each other down. For other couples, they may already struggle to resolve their conflicts.

All couples have differences and disagreements, but often couples come to counselling when their relationships have fallen apart and the damage in the relationship can hardly be repaired. Pre-marital Counselling therefore, is important in preventing the breaking down, and letting down, of relationships post-wedding, in the marriage.

Pre-marital Counselling is designed for those couples who are ready:

• to look together at their relationship’s strengths and the areas for growth,
• to handle their differences and disagreements, and
• to learn skills which will help their relationship grow.

What does Pre-marital Counselling look like?

There are 3 different types of Pre-marital Counselling:

1. Prepare-Enrich Program

This is a resource that is based on research, and has been used by over 2.5 million couples over three decades. This program uses an Inventory Questionnaire, which the couples fill in. The couple then works on their areas of growth based on the results of their Inventory Questionnaire. This program normally takes about 3-4 sessions, depending on the areas of growth that need to be dealt with.

2. Educational Program

This is a program that prepares couples for their future married life and teaches them what to expect, such as learning the different stages of marriage, how to communicate better, how to resolve a conflict, negotiation skills, the preparation of parenting, etc. This is done through a teaching method that involves participation in certain exercises. At the completion of these exercises, the couple’s differences and difficult issues are further discussed accordingly. This program takes 6 sessions.

3. Counselling Approach

There are some couples who have some unresolved issues in their relationship prior to their married life. These unresolved issues may stem from their individual past life or their current relationship. Counselling is recommended for these couples before more damage is done to their relationship. The length of this counselling approach depends on how severe their issues are and how long they have the issues.

Ring Bridges Counselling if you wish to discuss how we may be able to help you.

Enquiries: 0415 752 544

Ring us and you will be recommended a choice of counsellors qualified and experienced for your situation.

Email: info@BridgesCounselling.com.au

Bridges Counselling Parramatta is a team of professional counsellors and psychologists, specialising in marriage, family and individual counselling.