Pre-Marriage Counselling

Marital choice is perhaps the most important decision of a lifetime. Its effects are lasting and highly significant, not only for the well-being and happiness of the couple, but also for the welfare of their children, and for society as a whole.

Rising rates of divorce and family violence and falling indices of marital satisfaction and time together suggest that couples are inadequately prepared or supported in the challenges of marriage.

During the past two decades, researchers have successfully identified "high-risk" partnerships before marriage (allowing for cancelling or postponing weddings) .

Couples who check compatibility, learn to problem-solve, and connect with support and skill resources become more aware and more capable of handling the challenges of marriage. Proactive couples tend to avoid relationship-threatening crises and enjoy the benefits of life together.

Research has found that happily married couples have lower rates of illness, depression, and conflict in and outside their marriage. Well-adjusted partners make easier transitions to parenting and tend to be more supportive parents. For most persons, marital satisfaction is the best index of family satisfaction; family satisfaction is the best predictor of well-being.

Counsellors offer a pre-marriage counselling consultation which focuses on the individual's personalities and family background. It allows both parties to discuss and explore their likes and dislikes, needs and wants, their values and goals in life.

By exploring the similarities and differences that each bring to the partnership, couples can work through issues that could impact adversely on their relationship if not discussed prior to making a long term commitment. The process also assists couples to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.

Article supplied by:

Denice Jeffery & Associates

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