Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for and build a happy, successful marriage. Premarital therapists at Thriveworks in Bethlehem, PA can help couples develop essential communication skills, identify potential conflict areas, and learn how to manage their specific relationship issues.
When you and your partner begin premarital counseling, your counselor will want to get to know you both as well as your relationship. In order to accomplish this, they will ask questions around the following:
- Common interests and activities
- Marital expectations
- Budget and Finance
- Children and parenting
- Intimacy
If there is a particular area that they feel needs to be explored further (for example, you note that you and your partner have very different spending habits and views on money), they’ll guide the conversation in the given direction.
Generally speaking, Thriveworks premarital counseling in Bethlehem typically lasts for 8-10 weeks. This, however, can vary depending on the counselor’s approach as well as the clients’ preferences and needs. For example, some couples might request additional sessions to work through problem areas that they’ve identified in their relationship pre-wedding.
Premarital Counseling in Bethlehem, PA—Counselors and Therapists at Thriveworks (Lehigh Valley)
Premarital counseling helps couples prepare for a lifelong commitment by addressing current issues, anticipating future challenges, and developing effective communication skills. Whether you are engaged or contemplating marriage, premarital counseling at Thriveworks Bethlehem can be beneficial.
Call our office today at (484) 246-8486 to get schedule with a premarital counselor who can help your marriage thrive.
Benefits of Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling offers numerous benefits for engaged couples and those considering marriage. Research shows that premarital counseling can reduce divorce rates and ease pre-wedding jitters. It equips couples with effective communication strategies and facilitates discussions on important but uncomfortable topics.
Common topics addressed in premarital counseling include:
- Role expectations
- Budgeting and financing
- Common interests and hobbies
- Marriage dynamics
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Children and parenting
- Visions for the future
What Does Premarital Counseling Look Like?
Premarital counseling sessions vary based on the counselor and the couple’s needs. Some counselors start with individual sessions to understand each person’s concerns and goals, while others focus on the couple as a unit from the beginning.
Throughout the sessions, couples identify problem areas, discuss their hopes and expectations for marriage, and create an effective plan for maintaining a healthy relationship. Tools like couples resource maps often supplement premarital counseling.
These tools help partners identify resources and develop a plan for managing conflict, which might include regular counseling, calm and productive conversations, or reviewing their conflict management resources.
Schedule a Premarital Counseling Session at Thriveworks Bethlehem Today
While planning the details of your wedding is important, it’s crucial to take steps to preserve and strengthen your relationship. Premarital counseling helps you build a solid foundation for your marriage, acting as a safety net for your relationship.
If you’re interested in premarital counseling, schedule a session with a counselor at Thriveworks Bethlehem. Call us at 484-241-2848 to get started. A scheduling specialist will assist you through the process
