Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Premarital Counseling?What to ExpectReasons for AttendingTopics to DiscussHow to PrepareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Premarital Counseling?
What to Expect
Reasons for Attending
Topics to Discuss
How to Prepare
Frequently Asked Questions
Premarital counseling can also be education and guidance focused on preparing for marriage and future conflicts that may arise in marriage.
Learn more about what premarital counseling is, what to expect, reasons for going to premarital counseling, and more.
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This type of counseling is intended to support couples through any challenges they may be facing through education, guidance, and conflict prevention strategies. It is a safe space to grow together, strengthen the relationship, and help them prepare for their future together as a married couple.
Premarital counseling is not just for couples experiencing challenges in their relationship. It is to help couples prepare for a healthy marriage.
Premarital counseling is based onconversation, which involves talking between the partners receiving the counseling and the healthcare provider providing it. There are typically five to seven sessions, but there may be more or fewer depending on the healthcare provider and the couple.Sessions generally take place with both partners together, but healthcare providers may meet with each partner individually as well.
During a premarital counseling session, the partners may:
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Reasons for Premarital Counseling
Couples who go through premarital counseling are 30% more likely to remain married and have a successful marriage compared to couples who do not.Additionally, couples who choose premarital counseling find it to be very helpful, and they are more positive about seeking future support if needed.The benefits of couples counseling are not just for the short time surrounding the wedding, but for years to come throughout the marriage as well.
Couples may choose to do counseling for a variety of reasons, including:
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Some common topics to discuss include:
More practically, premarital counseling is typically five to seven sessions, but it could be more.Those sessions need to be scheduled to accommodate both partners.
The details of how to prepare for the first session depends on the healthcare provider. When scheduling the first session it is important to ask if there are any preparation recommendations, such as paperwork or worksheets to complete or content to read or discuss together. If you intend to use insurance, make sure thehealthcare provider accepts it, and you are aware of any out-of-pocket costs that could be incurred.
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Summary
There are many benefits of premarital counseling, including improved communication and conflict prevention and resolution. These benefits, among others, help prepare the couple for marriage and serve them for years to come. Couples who receive counseling before getting married are more likely to remain married and be satisfied in their relationships.
A Word From Verywell
The decision to get married is a big commitment. The transition comes with challenges, and new challenges arise throughout life as a married couple. If you and your partner are considering marriage, you may benefit from premarital counseling. Reach out to a mental health provider such as a therapist or counselor to get started.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe cost of premarital counseling depends on the person providing the counseling, where they are located, and other factors. It ranges from $25 to $200 or more per hour, but it is generally around $150 per hour.Premarital counseling is generally about 45 to 60 minutes per session and five to seven sessions, or more. The sessions are about a week apart, but it varies depending on the couple and the healthcare provider.A couple could begin premarital counseling when they start to think and talk about marriage. It is best to start marriage counseling at least six months before getting married.
The cost of premarital counseling depends on the person providing the counseling, where they are located, and other factors. It ranges from $25 to $200 or more per hour, but it is generally around $150 per hour.
Premarital counseling is generally about 45 to 60 minutes per session and five to seven sessions, or more. The sessions are about a week apart, but it varies depending on the couple and the healthcare provider.
A couple could begin premarital counseling when they start to think and talk about marriage. It is best to start marriage counseling at least six months before getting married.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Couples counseling.American Psychological Association.Premarital counseling.American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Marriage preparation.Health Research Funding.20 significant premarital counseling statistics.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Couples counseling.American Psychological Association.Premarital counseling.American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Marriage preparation.Health Research Funding.20 significant premarital counseling statistics.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Couples counseling.American Psychological Association.Premarital counseling.American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Marriage preparation.Health Research Funding.20 significant premarital counseling statistics.
American Psychological Association.Couples counseling.
American Psychological Association.Premarital counseling.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Marriage preparation.
Health Research Funding.20 significant premarital counseling statistics.
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