Do we need premarital counseling?

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

Understanding the Need for Online Premarital Counseling: Signals and Benefits

As our world evolves with technology, more couples are gravitating towards online premarital counseling as an accessible, effective way to prepare for marriage (Stewart et al., 2020). This modern approach to counseling is not only convenient but can also help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and set realistic expectations for marriage. However, how do you determine if online premarital counseling is right for you?

First, it’s crucial to understand that premarital counseling is not a sign of weak relationships or a premonition of future issues. On the contrary, engaging in premarital counseling is an indicator of a healthy relationship. Studies show that couples who participate in premarital counseling are 31% less likely to divorce (Rhoades & Stanley, 2014).

One of the telltale signs that you might need premarital counseling is recurring unresolved disputes. According to a study by Johnson et al. (2019), communication problems are among the most common causes of dissatisfaction in marriages. If you find yourselves frequently arguing over the same issues, this could be an indicator that it’s time to seek external help.

Another sign is differing expectations for the future. Whether it’s about career ambitions, starting a family, or managing finances, it’s important for couples to be on the same page. A study by the National Survey of Families and Households (2021) suggested that disagreements about these core issues can contribute to marital discord over time.

Online premarital counseling can also be beneficial if one or both partners have experienced a traumatic event in the past. These experiences could potentially influence their reactions and behaviors in the relationship (Siegel, 2019). Having a neutral professional guide through these discussions can help both partners understand each other’s experiences better.

Lastly, consider online premarital counseling if you’re looking for a convenient, flexible, and private way to prepare for marriage. It can provide the same benefits as traditional premarital counseling, but with the added advantage of accessibility (Wagner et al., 2021). For those with tight schedules or living in remote areas, online counseling can be a game-changer.

In conclusion, recognizing the need for online premarital counseling involves self-awareness about your relationship’s dynamics and a willingness to invest in its future health. Consider it as a preventive measure, much like a health check-up, ensuring the longevity of your marriage. With studies suggesting its effectiveness, it’s an investment worth considering for every couple.

References:

• Johnson, S. M., Lafontaine, M-F., & Dalgleish, T. L. (2019). Attachment and the Dance of Sex: Integrating Couple and Sex Therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(1), 16-31.
• Rhoades, G. K., & Stanley, S. M. (2014). Before “I Do”: What Do Premarital Experiences Have to Do With Marital Quality Among Today’s Young Adults? The National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia.
• Siegel, D. J. (2019). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Publications.
• Stewart, J. C., Ioerger, M., & Harris, S. (2020). Online Counseling: Modalities, Potentials, and Challenges. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 38(1), 1-18.
• Wagner, B., Horn, A. B., & Maercker, A. (2021). Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 151(1), 113-120.
• National Survey of Families and Households (2021). Couple disagreement about work-family issues. Journal of Marriage and Family, 83(3), 823-837.

Well, if you are looking at this video and wondering if you need premarital counseling, you probably do. If your partner continues to communicate with a a former partner by text, phone, email, or in person or if you both have not discussed your financial expectations or you are having trouble communicating about financial decisions then you absolutely need premarital counseling. Fortunately we have condensed 8 hours of couples therapy into a 4 hour online self-paced premarital course for Florida residents and those getting married in Florida. We also offer similar courses for Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Also, if things are going well in your relationship and you just want to save money on your marriage license, then taking one of our online premarital preparation courses for your specific state will do just that. Our courses are different as they are the only ones created by a board certified clinical psychologist and marital expert.

Premarital Courses:

Online Florida Premarital Preparation Course $14.97

Online Georgia Premarital Education Program Course $17.97

Online Texas Premarital Education Program, Together in Texas $23.97

Online Tennessee Premarital Course  $27.97

Online Oklahoma Premarital Counseling Course  $17.97