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By what percentage does pre-marriage counseling reduce the likelihood of divorce?

When people get married, pre-marriage counseling is often overlooked or not even considered as part of the preparation. Everything is all about the wedding details. Because when there’s so much love and happiness, what do you need pre-marriage counseling for?

But when it comes down to it, your wedding is just one day out of your entire life together. And you have the rest of your life to face the trials of marriage. So preparing for what’s ahead is never a bad idea. In fact, research has shown that pre-marriage counseling helps decrease divorce incidence by as much as 30 percent.

Even so, there are a lot of couples who hesitate to seek pre-marriage counseling. One common reason is that they are unconsciously afraid that one or both of them might change their mind about getting married. Why take the risk when everything is ready? But if you are indeed ready for married life, then what are you afraid of?

Why Pre-Marriage Counseling Reduces Divorce Rates

With statistics showing 1 out of 2 couples marrying today end up in divorce, it's clear that love itself is not enough to make a successful marriage. So why does pre-marriage counseling have such an effect on reducing divorce rates?:

  1. Pre-marriage counseling will help you see your differences and consequently plan ways of overcoming or resolving them. This is not done to discourage you but rather it gives an opportunity to improve your problem-solving skills and ability to build a better relationship. You will have the chance to understand common marital issues and discuss them before you enter married life.

  2. Things may come up that may make you decide to postpone your wedding. It should not be seen as something negative. It’s better that things come out in the open now rather than when you have already tied the knot.

The Benefits Of Pre-Marriage Counseling

The main benefits include:

  • Strengthened communication skills

  • Awareness of role expectations

  • Learning conflict resolution skills

  • Exploring spiritual beliefs

  • Personal, couple and family goals are developed

Pre-marriage counseling doesn’t have to take too much time, especially if your relationship has a very solid foundation.

The fact is, that pre-marriage counseling is good for every couple, so be sure to take the time to invest in your marriage as you do with the wedding itself.

Where To Find Pre-Marriage Counseling

To find a marriage counselor, you can ask your wedding minister. You can also ask your wedding planner for a referral. Otherwise, you can search the internet for a pre-marriage class or counseling in your area.

Before choosing a pre-marriage counselor however, it is important to check his/her certification, training, and even his family background. You may be more comfortable believing a person whose marriage is working than one who has been through divorce.

Make sure that both of you seek counseling, otherwise it won’t be as effective. The goal of pre-marriage counseling is for both of you to learn problem-solving and communication skills to help you through marriage.

Attend each session with an open mind and be willing to honestly share your thoughts and feelings. The wonders it can work will hold you both in good stead.

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