1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Weddings
photo of Nina Callaway

Nina's Weddings Blog

By Nina Callaway, About.com Guide to Weddings since 2003

Premarital Counseling

Thursday October 19, 2006
Marriage counseling to save a marriage seems like a no-brainer, but what about marriage counseling to protect a marriage? That's what premarital counseling really does. It gets the major issues out on the table and helps you see what you need to work on. It might tell you that you're not ready to get married, which although it sounds like a disasterous diagnosis, it can be a blessing in disguise. Postponing your wedding can help you have a stronger marriage and healthier life, if that's what you need. On the other hand, premarital counseling might help confirm that you are a great match, and alleviate some of those pre-wedding jitters and cold feet.

Many people get premarital counseling from their priest, minister, rabbi, or other religious leader. It may even be required by your ceremony location. But you can also get referrals from The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy or their therapist locator.

Comments

March 2, 2007 at 10:44 pm
(1) John H. Pruett, Jr., MS, EdS, NCC, LPC says:

Nina, I try to tell folks this all the time. People spend thousands on a wedding but dont even consider pre-marital counseling. It really is worth while. Great article. Sincerely, John

January 16, 2008 at 9:16 pm
(2) Howard M says:

Thanks for your wonderful insight, as with any form of life changing events we should always study and look for the right solutions and follow our hearts… and it is never to late to say “I am sorry” for anything! Healing takes time, but worth it when you can forgive others.

Both premarital counseling and marriage counseling are great place to start to open the lines of communication. And as we know, that the lack of communication is the number one reason, relationships begin to fail…

Thanks again,

Howard

September 5, 2008 at 3:19 pm
(3) Jennine Estes says:

I agree. Premarital counseling needs to be a preventative (as you say a “protective” approach) and a way for couples to build a strong relationship.

Leave a Comment

Line and paragraph breaks are automatic. Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title="">, <b>, <i>, <strike>

Explore Weddings

About.com Special Features

The Best Moisturizers

Top picks in every price range, for every skin type. More >

Fall Fashion Accessories

These hot fall accessories will update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. More >

  1. Home
  2. Style
  3. Weddings

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.