4 Reasons Couples Skip Out On Premarital Counseling
Most couples don’t even consider going to premarital counseling. Maybe they don’t realize what premarital counseling is and how it helps. There are others who know about it and skip out on it because of the beliefs they hold about premarital counseling and their relationship. Premarital counseling is one of my favorite therapy services to offer couples because it can be a world of difference in the relationship. Working with a premarital counselor can help couples create the type of relationship they want to have long-term. It can help avoid potential struggles in the relationship but couples still opt out of premarital counseling.
Common reasons couples don’t attend premarital counseling
Every couple has their own specific reasons for not going to premarital counseling. Everyone has a unique perspective and unique needs. Here are some of the common reasons couples decide not to go to premarital counseling.
1. They have a good relationship right now.
Couples don’t consider attending premarital counseling because they have a good relationship right now. They get along well, they’re happy, and they’re thriving. They opt out of premarital counseling because they don’t see the need for it. At some point, every healthy relationship will encounter conflict. All relationships have conflict, and it can give you the opportunity to work through it effectively and grow closer as a couple. However, when you don’t have the skills or your own past experiences bubble up when it happens, it can cause difficulty in your relationship.
2. They believe they can work out problems they have on their own
I’m certainly not saying that couples can’t work out their problems without a marriage therapist. In fact, my whole goal when I am working with couples is to help them have everything they need so they don’t need me anymore. It does become problematic for a couple who may be struggling or not know how to better their relationship to not utilize the help of a licensed therapist. I’m not saying you can’t work out your problems alone but I’m saying if you need help then you shouldn’t have to try and guess.
3. They’re afraid of what might come up in therapy
Some couples have been in past relationships that weren’t healthy or ended badly. They might be reluctant to go to therapy because they are afraid the therapist will tell them they shouldn’t be in the relationship or even that they are the problem. If this is you, you might have optimism that this time there won’t be any problems so you don’t want to bring up all the past stuff. I can understand it’s scary to think about all the unknowns in therapy but I think you’ll be surprised at how helpful it is.
4. They believe therapy is for people who are in bad relationships
Despite how far we have come with mental health and therapy being more normalized, there’s still a long way to go. Couples might think that counseling is for people who are on the brink of divorce or have failing relationships. They don’t think premarital counseling is for them if that’s the case. You may not realize how much premarital counseling is for healthy relationships that want to develop skills and make sure they have a good future marriage.
Premarital counseling can make a big difference
You might not realize how much of a difference it can make to start your relationship off on the right foot right away. It can avoid future pain or upset by talking about issues before they arise. Premarital counseling can help you and your significant other learn to talk to each other when conflict arises and focus on having your needs met in helpful ways. People who attend premarital counseling have a much lower rate of divorce than those that don’t. It can be helpful for you to begin working on your relationship with a relationship expert.
Start premarital counseling in Utah today
You can have the type of relationship that you want. You don’t have to feel anxious and worried about where your relationship will end up. Working with a couples therapist can empower you with the skills you need to make a marriage last. This Utah Counseling Center has a couples therapist specializing in premarital counseling. To begin therapy follow the steps below:
Meet with a premarital counselor
Begin working on your relationship
Online Couples Therapy in Utah
For many couples, it’s not the most convenient thing to go to therapy. They might put it off because they believe they don’t have time to go to another appointment while balancing kids, homework, work, school, etc. I totally get it, and I also know how much investing in your relationship can make a huge difference. This is why I offer online therapy in Utah. It’s convenient and effective but you don’t have to leave your house.
Online Couples Therapy also means I work with couples all over the state of Utah. I work with couples in St. George, Logan, Heber City, Cedar City, Salt Lake City, and more.
Other mental health services in Utah
Premarital counseling isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services include marriage counseling, LDS marriage counseling, therapy for men, anxiety therapy, ADHD treatment, EMDR therapy, PTSD treatment, and more.
About the Author
Marcus Hunt is a marriage and family therapist at Marcus Hunt Therapy in Utah. He enjoys working with couples who want to have healthy marriages and good relationships. Marcus works with couples who are committed to working on themselves and developing the relationship skills to have a lasting marriage. He enjoys premarital counseling as it empowers couples with the communication skills they need to resolve issues before they even arise. Marcus has a bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University in behavioral sciences. He also has a master’s in marriage and family therapy. When Marcus is not in therapy he enjoys spending time riding his scooter with his wife around the Spanish Fork River Bottoms.