Congratulations! You’re engaged. Amongst all the wedding planning (as if that wasn’t enough to keep you busy!), you may also be considering going to pre-marital counseling, or perhaps your church requires it. Many couples coming in for premarital counseling don’t know exactly what to expect or have some hesitations about the process. It’s many people’s first experience with counseling or therapy, particularly couple’s therapy, so they may have no frame of reference. I’d like to demystify the process of premarital counseling to help you to decide what’s best for your relationship. Here are some common misconceptions about premarital counseling.
Read MoreI have given 2020 many names, but my latest is “a year of reflection.” We have found ways to navigate what originally seemed like impossible circumstances. We have dealt with overwhelming emotions and goals that were not forecasted in our New Year’s resolutions. While it is important to grieve the loss of so many experiences that were unable to continue, it is also helpful to use this time as an opportunity to reflect and grow.
Read MorePremarital counseling is not as common as you may think . . . or as common as may be warranted, considering today’s divorce rate. In my counseling experience, I see far more couples in distress, often on the verge of divorce, than I see couples preparing for a long healthy relationship together.
Read MoreIf I said the words “magic ratio” or “5 to 1” would you instantly know what I was referring to? For most, the answer is no. However, us marriage counselors, this ratio means something important. In fact, it is a clue or formula to how to have a happy marriage/relationship.
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