Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Benefits of a Premarital Course or Counseling

What are the benefits of a premarital course or premarital counseling? That is a great question. We prepare for most things in life – high school and college exams, getting a driver’s license, hosting a dinner party. It seems, though, that most people fall in love and get married without ever really preparing for it. Sure, life in general and dating different people gives us some good lessons in commitment, negotiating, communication, and compromise, so that when we finally meet Mr. or Mrs. Right, we are somewhat prepared to enter into that long-term relationship. What we are not always prepared for is what happens after the fairy tale ends – how to deal with the stress, negative habits, and relationship patterns that may be really difficult to resolve.

Here are the facts – 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Sadly, only about half of those that stay married consider themselves happily married. Research shows that the year before the wedding and up to six months after the wedding is when couples gain the most benefit from premarital courses or premarital counseling. After that, those negative behaviors and habits can become exponentially harder to break and resolve.  Here’s another important fact – premarital classes and/or premarital counseling can reduce the risk of divorce by up to 30 percent and lead to a happier and healthier marriage.

Marriage takes a lot of hard work, patience, compromise, respect, and skill. Love is absolutely the first ingredient to a successful marriage, but love alone will not guarantee a happy marriage. A premarital course or counseling will help guide you to discuss and resolve important issues before the big day, offering questions and discussion points that every couple who wants to get married should be discussing in order to form a solid foundation for a lasting marriage.

D’Arienzo Psychological Group’s online premarital preparation course, drdarienzo.com, is a convenient, self-paced, private, and inexpensive online premarital preparation course that meets the needs of today’s busy couples. The premarital preparation course is an approved course in all 67 counties in Florida and accessible online to all residents and non-residents of Florida. Florida couples also receive a $32.50 discount off their marriage license application fee and avoid the three day waiting period when taking this premarital preparation course. Visit us at drdarienzo.com, click on the courses tab at the top, and start your wedding on the right foot!

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