You’re thinking about getting married. Few things are more exciting (or fear-inducing) than the days and weeks that lead to the “I do” exchange. Your anticipation grows as your checklist shortens: Save the Date postcards, the gown, the location, invitations, family, selecting a bridal party, and countless other details to into making sure the day goes off as smoothly as possible. It’s easy for the business to turn the volume down on the rest of life.
Or, let’s say you or your significant other is experiencing some apprehension about the wedding. The commitment is weighty enough to warrant serious introspection, let alone the investigation of what this means for the two of you for the rest of your lives.
Do you want to be linked to this person till death do you part? What does that look and feel like? How does it work?”
In either scenario, Thriveworks Birmingham premarital counseling is here to help you explore the potential significance of your life’s next chapter, and can provide you with the communication tools you’ll need for the challenges that you’ll undoubtedly face.
Before your officiate agrees to oversee the ceremony, he or she might require that you go to premarital counseling. Some U.S. states, even, require premarital counseling for couples under a particular age. We know, we know, you’re an adult now and have been dealing with people telling you what to do your whole life, but this request does not come without reason. Really, there is so much to consider before walking down that aisle, and it’s important that you and your significant other get the best head start possible by speaking with a professional premarital counselor.
Regardless of what brought you to this page, know that your search is over. Thriveworks Birmingham premarital counseling in Oakland County will help you set yourself up for future marital success. Even if you’ve begun the search for a premarital counselor at the request of others, your actually taking the time to do so speaks volumes about your commitment to your future.
Marriage can be awe-inspiring and joyful, but even at it’s best it’s not without difficulties. Premarital counseling will help you understand the trials to come and what to do when they do.
Premarital Counseling: Not Always Voluntary, but Always a Good Idea
Even if you are not required by your state or you officiate to pursue premarital (or pre-engagement) counseling, premarital counseling only exists to help. Don’t make the mistake of believing your relationship to be immune to everyday struggles. It’s best to be prepared.
Before we commit to a major purchase, for example, we read reviews or even test it out ourselves. With marriage, we don’t have the ability to read consumer reports about what it will be like to be married to your significant other. Nor do you know exactly how your personality and temperament will respond to the commitment. Even if you’ve lived together (unwed) for several years, it’s still not the same as marriage.
You can, however, speak with someone who has worked with many couples transitioning into marriage, someone who has also counseled many married couples during the most difficult times. Meeting with a premarital counselor is a great way to help you get started on open communication and mutual respect before the knot is tied.
Discussing your current issues (or ones that have yet to occur) during this exciting time is far more enjoyable than dealing with the problems after severe emotional damage has already been done, and once loving eyes have turned hard with resentment.
The truth is, if you don’t work on any issues you have now, they will only get worse when after the wedding day. But you can prepare. Start working (today) on the communication skills that will help you maintain a level, solution-oriented thought process during trying times.
When Should I Start Premarital Counseling?
If you considering taking steps toward marriage, then it’s time to begin premarital counseling. For people who aren’t engaged but have begun talking about marriage, there’s pre-engagement counseling, which helps you examine marriage-related issues and expectations you may have never considered.
For couples where one or both individuals are uncertain about marriage, for example, pre-engagement counseling is exceedingly important in helping you determine and discuss current misgivings.
While it’s tempting (and not uncommon) for many couples to believe that “everything is fine” and that premarital counseling is unnecessary, you’d be doing yourselves a massive disservice. Marriage is an important decision, and it’s best to give yourselves the best chance at success. With an objective party aiding the discussion, you’ll likely find that previously difficult conversations are much easier to have. The professionals at Thriveworks Birmingham premarital counseling will help you wade through uncomfortable topics in a safe, open environment.
If you’re feeling unprepared for marriage, that’s OK. Few people have any idea the kind of commitment and hard work necessary to building a stable relationship without some guidance. And while it’s not possible to cover every situation you will encounter in your married life, premarital counseling is still the best wedding gift you can get: entering into the commitment with the communication skills and understanding that will prepare you for what’s to come. You’ll thank yourselves later, if not sooner.
Some of the topics you and your significant other will discuss at Thriveworks Birmingham premarital counseling include:
- Shared interests and recreational activities
- Spousal role expectations
- Communication styles
- Religion and worship attendance
- Household duties and expectations
- Budgeting and finances
- Children and parenting styles
- Public or private education
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Needs for space and privacy
- Where the family unit will reside
- Finances and debt
- Occupations and careers
- Holiday expectations and travel
- Relationships with extended family and in-laws
After your time in premarital counseling, it’s possible that you and your significant other will decide that marriage might be best at another time, or even with another person. No one can make that decision for you, but know that with premarital counseling, you can see the decision with better clarity and with a greater understanding of potential challenges. Even if you decide to not get married, you’ll still be coming out ahead. You’ll know more about yourself, your significant other, and what it takes to be in a long-term committed relationship.
Why Choose Thriveworks Birmingham Premarital Counseling in Oakland County?
Premarital counseling helps couples learn and maintain the necessary skills for a successful and fulfilling marriage.
Thriveworks Birmingham premarital counselors are among the best in the industry. Many of our clinicians have been featured in trusted news outlets such as CNN, The Chicago Tribune, The Journey of Mental Health Counseling, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Psychiatric Times, and Prevention.
Skip the waiting lists you’ll find at other offices by teaming up with a practice that has a strict no waiting list policy. Most first-time Thriveworks clients are in their first session within a week of their call to us, if not within 24 hours.
Contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your spouse-to-be!
