What are the Top 3 Things Couples Should Discuss During Premarital Counseling & Why?
Premarital counseling can be a great way to prepare for marriage from the beginning. Going into a therapy session you probably want an idea of the important things to talk about and how they can be helpful. You know going into this marriage that it’s your most important relationship and you want it to be healthy, and to make sure you are happy as a couple. There are topics of discussion that can be helpful before you get married, and I want to give you some ideas of what to focus on in these sessions.
Communication Styles:
Effective communication is the key to a strong relationship. So many issues in relationships end up being about a lack of communication. In our premarital counseling sessions, we'll explore how you and your partner communicate with each other, express your feelings, and handle conflicts. By understanding each other's communication patterns and learning ways to work through issues when they arise. Premarital counseling also focuses on giving you more communication skills to try in order to feel more connected and understood. Focusing on how you talk to each other and how you work through issues together can prevent from these issues getting bigger down the road.
Shared Values, Goals, and Expectations:
Being on the same page about your values, goals, and expectations is important in a healthy relationship. As a couples therapist, I will help you delve into topics like religion, family planning, career aspirations, financial management, and other issues. Through open and honest discussions, you can ensure that your visions for the future align, grow closer together, and understand each other better. You may have unspoken goals and expectations that may be different than your partner but you won’t know it unless we talk about it together.
Finances and Money Management:
Money matters can be a big source of stress in relationships. During our premarital counseling sessions, we'll talk about your financial situations, debts, spending habits, and financial goals. By developing a clear plan for managing finances together, including budgeting, saving, and handling shared expenses, you can promote trust and financial stability within your marriage. The way your parents handled money in your family may be influencing your beliefs and attitudes going into a relationship, and it might be different than your partner’s.
Bonus: Sexual intimacy
Talking about sexual intimacy during premarital counseling is really important because it will impact you as a couple in your relationship. When you discuss this topic openly, you can understand each other better and feel more connected. It also helps them figure out what you both want from your intimate moments together. By doing this early on, you can address any worries or problems and make their relationship stronger. Counseling is a safe place to talk about any past sexual experiences or sexual trauma that might affect how you feel about intimacy. You can also learn ways to make each other happy and find solutions if you have different desires or preferences. Overall, discussing sexual intimacy in premarital counseling helps build trust, emotional closeness, and a good foundation for a successful and happy marriage.
Premarital counseling in Utah to help your marriage before it even starts
Premarital counseling can be a real game-changer for your marriage even before it begins! It's like giving your relationship a strong and sturdy foundation. In premarital counseling, we talk openly about important things like communication, what you both want from the marriage and how to handle disagreements in a healthy way. It's a safe space to discuss any worries or concerns you might have, and we work together to find solutions. You'll learn valuable skills to understand each other better and grow closer as a couple. It's a chance to build trust, respect, and love right from the start. One of the significant benefits of premarital counseling is the opportunity to talk openly about sensitive topics like sexual intimacy. It's a chance to express your feelings, desires, and boundaries, ensuring that both partners feel comfortable and respected. Learning how to communicate openly about these intimate matters can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying physical relationship.
Start working with a premarital counselor in Utah
You can begin your marriage in a healthy and positive way before it even starts through premarital counseling. This Utah Counseling Clinic has a premarital counselor that specializes in helping couples before they get married. To start premarital therapy follow the steps below:
Meet with a couples therapist
Begin investing in your relationship
About the Author
Marcus Hunt is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a passion for helping couples build strong and meaningful relationships. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from UVU (Utah Valley University) in Orem, Utah, where he gained a solid understanding of human behavior and relationship dynamics. Marcus continued his education and earned a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in fostering healthy connections between couples. With extensive training in emotionally focused therapy for couples, Marcus is dedicated to empowering partners to communicate effectively, deepen their emotional bonds, and navigate challenges together. His empathetic and non-judgmental approach creates a safe space for couples to explore their feelings, understand each other's needs, and develop practical strategies for lasting relationship satisfaction. Through his counseling practice, Marcus aims to help couples build resilient and fulfilling partnerships that stand the test of time.