Getting engaged is an exciting life experience. While it may seem counterintuitive, the time leading up to the wedding is actually an ideal opportunity for couples counseling. Seeking guidance from a therapist will help ensure you’re equipped to overcome together any future issues you encounter. Here are some of the key benefits of attending counseling before walking down the aisle.

Why You Should Consider Premarital Couples Counseling 

1. Get to Know Each Other Better 

Counseling offers an in-depth way to discuss with your partner topics that may be challenging to broach in daily life. Every person has a complex past that has made them who they are today, and diving deeper into your partner’s childhood, previous relationships, and personal interests will help you better understand their thoughts and actions. 

2. Learn Strong Communication Skills 

Any couple will have their differences and disagreements from time to time. You’ll need to know how to effectively communicate to prevent escalation and resolve conflicts. Premarital counseling will help you and your partner develop and practice strategies that will help you express yourselves clearly, healthily, and productively, such as active listening and asking open-ended questions. 

3. Discuss Expectations

Most people enter into marriage with certain expectations for how decisions like finances, children, and intimacy should be handled. Even if you’ve discussed the future with your loved one, counseling will help you be thorough so you don’t overlook potentially important contingencies. Doing so before the wedding will limit potentially disruptive surprises and help you adjust or negotiate with your partner. 

4. Receive an Unbiased Opinion 

Many people fail to notice red flags when they’ve invested so much time, energy, and love in a relationship. By counseling before marriage, you’ll receive the unbiased opinion of a trained professional who has an outside perspective of your connection. A licensed therapist will offer insight into your strengths and weaknesses as a couple so you’re aware of what to build on moving forward.

Premarital couples counseling will help keep your relationship strong and healthy. Whether you’re recently engaged or your wedding is around the corner, contact Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP to schedule a counseling session. With stellar credentials and more than two decades of experience, this licensed professional counselor has provided many Rochester, NY, residents with the tools they need to maintain happy unions. Call (585) 734-6826 to book an appointment, or visit her website for more information on the services she offers.