Is Pre-Marital Counseling for Us?
“Coming together is a beginning;
keeping together is progress;
working together is success.” – Henry Ford
Congratulations on your engagement! I imagine that you are excited and maybe a little terrified about this next step together. It is one of the most significant decisions you can make in your life. Frankly, it deserves care and preparation.
Two people from different backgrounds, experiences, values, beliefs, perspectives have come together. You are madly in love. Everything should work out just fine, right? We know it takes more than feelings to make a marriage work.
Pre-martial counseling can help identify and check “idealism.” Idealism is when you tend to see an experience only through a positive lens. Sounds good, right? Although being optimistic is a strength. However, it’s not realistic to ignore that there is both good and bad in marriage. Most scripted vows commit to “for rich and for poor,” “in sickness and in health…” There is a reason. Marriage is not all roses. Nevertheless, preparing for marriage helps to build realistic expectations.
PREPARE/ENRICH
Would you like to have the tools for a successful marriage? Do you and your partner have very different opinions about your future relationship? If you answered yes, PREPARE/ENRICH might provide an approach for you and your partner.
PREPARE/ENRICH is a research-based curriculum based on Systems Theory of Marital and Family Therapy. Each partner takes a confidential assessment. The personalized assessment provides feedback about the areas of strengths and growth.
The focus of PREPARE/ENRICH is to :
- Explore strength and growth areas
- strengthen communication skills
- Pinpoint and manage major stressors
- Conflict Resolution
- Develop a more balanced relationship with flexibility and closeness
- Understanding Personality Differences and increase teamwork
Spark a meaningful conversation about cohabitation, cultural differences, spiritual beliefs, financial management, and more.
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” – Dave Meur
Pre-Nuptial Stressors
Planning for any event can be stressful. When you get married, multiple marriages are happening. While planning for the wedding itself, you may also be preparing to move in together. Perhaps you have children from previous relationships or maybe have a child on the way. For many people, money is a significant stressor. No matter the concern, we can help you explore how to navigate and discuss these stressors together.
Conflict Management
No two people always agree. It is normal not to see things the same as your partner. That’s normal. It is also not uncommon to become upset or very stressed when disagreeing. Out of anger, there are hurtful words and regrettable behavior. Therapy helps with giving you the tools to handle conflict effectively. Learn how the Gottman Four Horsemen encourages conflict. Did you know that about 70% of problems in your marriage are perpetual issues? We can help you, and your partner avoid gridlock and address your viewpoints safely and respectfully.
Pre-Marital Counseling in Ohio
The road to marriage is unique. Receive the courage and the help to set a strong foundation for your marriage. This is the best investment you can make together. It’s for your forever. Start by requesting a counseling appointment.
Other Counseling Services
Already married? Click here for information about marriage counseling. We provide a range of counseling services at our Beachwood Counseling Office. Online Counseling is available for anyone in the state of Ohio. We treat depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, emotional eating, Christian Counseling, and more. If you are looking for help to see real change in your life, you are in the right place!
