The months leading up to your wedding can be one of the most exciting times of your life. But, with all the planning that needs to be done, it’s not uncommon to put your relationship on the back burner. It probably doesn’t feel like that. You and your partner are likely together as often as you can be, planning for your big day. But, it’s important to remember that your wedding is just day one of your marriage. While planning your special day is important, don’t forget to take care of your relationship before you officially say “I do”. Premarital counseling is a great way to strengthen your relationship, feel more confident in yourself and your marriage, and start things out on the right foot as a married couple. Still not convinced? Let’s cover some benefits of premarital counseling, so you can decide if it’s the right option for you and your partner.
1. You’ll Build Communication Skills
One of the most important keys to any relationship is effective communication. You might t
hink you know how to talk to your partner, but what happens when you get into an argument? What will happen when they say something you’ve never heard them say before, or take on a tone you’re not used to? Everyone has a different communication style. You may not even know what yours is, let alone your partner’s. Learning those styles and how to make them work together is hugely important. Not only will it make you more open and vulnerable with each other, but it can turn any disagreements you might have into something productive, rather than something to tear you down.
2. You’ll Learn Each Other’s Love Languages
Most of us are familiar with the concept of the five love languages—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. While these can be a helpful starting point for understanding how you and your partner prefer to give and receive love, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Relationships are complex, and building a lasting marriage requires deeper emotional work and communication. Through therapy sessions, a therapist can help you explore and understand the unique dynamics of your relationship, teaching you how to express care and love in ways that truly resonate with your partner. This process ensures your efforts feel meaningful, intentional, and are deeply appreciated, helping you both grow closer and stronger as a couple.
3. You Can Discover More About Yourself
Premarital counseling isn’t just about strengthening your partnership—it’s also an opportunity for personal growth. Through the process, you may uncover facets of your own personality that you hadn’t considered before. Perhaps you’ll realize there’s room to refine your communication skills, or you might notice that discussions around finances or family planning make you feel uneasy. Whatever the discovery, premarital counseling offers a chance to learn more about yourself within the context of your relationship. To get the most out of your sessions, it’s essential to remain open and fully engaged. Building a strong relationship foundation requires effort from both partners, and the more you understand about yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to contribute to that foundation.
4. You’ll Plan for the Future
The last thing you want is to get married and realize that you and your partner have completely different outlooks for the future. Granted, that’s something you should probably talk about before agreeing to get married. But, not every couple does. Even those who do often leave out details. Or, they don’t talk much about the reasons they feel a certain way. Premarital counseling can help you to map out your future together clearly and concisely. You’ll not only determine if you’re on the same page, but you will get an opportunity to address any underlying issues now, so they don’t blindside you later. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits of premarital counseling. Truthfully, these are just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to learn more about premarital counseling and how it can help your relationship before you walk down the aisle, feel free to contact me.
About the Author
Roma Williams, founder of Unload It Therapy, is a Houston-based licensed marriage and family therapist, who is also licensed in the states of Georgia, Florida, and California. Her specialties and clinical interests are systems and relationships. Roma enjoys working with couples, including LGBTQ+ and those who live in polyamorous relationships. As an African American woman, Roma has donated time and efforts to causes championing black women and mental health. Roma also enjoys working with individuals on their relationships with themselves and others. Being a California native, and moving to the south in her adult years, Roma has had plenty of experiences that have shaped her cultural development both professionally and personally. In her spare time, Roma enjoys fashion, all things wine, and traveling.
If you are in Houston or in any part of Texas, Georgia, Florida, or California and are ready to work with Roma click here.
