Ask any married couple and they will tell you that marriage is hard work. Even the happiest couples have arguments and struggle every once in a while. But the joys that come from a loving partnership make the extra effort and compromises all worthwhile.
Many couples find that premarital counseling is a beneficial and positive way to start the marriage on the right path for lasting success. Regardless of how long you’ve been with your partner, knowing how to effectively communicate and work out problems can be extremely advantageous for years to come. That said, it is quite common for one of the partners in the relationship to oppose the idea of premarital counseling, as the expense and inconvenience of attending therapy sessions can be hard to justify for many people.
That’s why more couples are turning to online couples counseling before they get married, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of therapy sessions at a lower cost and without having to find the time to meet in person. Keep reading to learn if premarital online counseling is right for you.
Creating a Solid Foundation for the Marriage
Once you’ve set a date for the wedding, bought the rings, and found the ideal venue, it can feel like a whirlwind when the big day finally arrives. Taking a step back from planning the perfect wedding and focusing on the reason for the matrimony in the first place helps put everything into perspective. After all, it’s easy to get bogged down by the never-ending to-do list that needs to be accomplished before the ceremony.
Online premarital counseling can help push the distractions aside and allow you to focus on what’s most important; building a strong foundation for a happy and secure future with the person you love most. Seeking the guidance of an online therapist can be a powerful way for both you and your partner to prepare for a beautiful life ahead.
Why Online Premarital Counseling?
Numerous studies prove that premarital counseling is a valuable tool with which to begin married life.[1] Researchers have discovered that couples who learn conflict management skills and talk out their issues with a licensed counselor increase marriage satisfaction and overall quality of life. Premarital counseling has been proven to decrease the divorce rate. Although not common, sometimes the wedding is called off after premarital counseling because the couple discovers that they can’t work out their differences.[2]
The counselor can open their eyes to the fact that they are incompatible. It’s been proven that couples who engage in premarital counseling have a deeper commitment to one another and a more realistic approach to their marriage.[3]
The question then, is if these critical benefits translate into online premarital counseling. While long-term studies on the matter have yet to surface, there appears to be no evidence to the contrary.
Online sessions, especially those operating via professional therapy platforms, can incorporate many of the features and benefits of in-person sessions. With options such as chat sessions, video sessions, mobile app communication, and more flexible scheduling options, some providers boast that they offer many of the same benefits as in-person counseling, with less of drawbacks. With the lower costs and increased convenience of not having to commute to see a therapist, they do make quite a strong argument.
Pros of Online Premarital Counseling
- Couples talk out their problems before making a huge commitment: Online premarital counseling allows couples to delve into any potential obstacles that could impede the marriage from lasting a lifetime. Discussing everything from money and life goals to jealousy and friendships can preempt possible issues down the road.
- Advice from an expert: Seeking the help of a licensed online premarital counselor offers an outside perspective. When you’re in a relationship it can be difficult to see things the way your partner does. Couples often find they are arguing about the same things over and over again but have no idea how to stop the cycle. A therapist can help with that.
- It can strengthen your bond: Communication is the key to a happy marriage. But not all of us were born with amazing communication skills. Because the healthiest relationships are based on being open and honest, premarital counseling can help both partners learn these essential skills.
Cons of Online Premarital Counseling
- You may find you have bigger issues than you imagined: Although there are not many cons to online premarital counseling, one of the biggest ones is that you and your partner may discover more problems than you thought you had. Because you will be talking about your relationship, issues may arise that you hadn’t considered before. While this may be viewed by some as a con of online premarital counseling, it may be considered a positive. Therapy empowers couples to discuss their issues before marriage to engage in preventative rather than reactive measures.
- You may call off the wedding: As mentioned, some couples call off their wedding when they see a premarital counselor. While this is not ideal, it does save incompatible couples from making the wrong life choices and experiencing the heartbreak and financial burden of divorce.
Summary
The pros of online premarital counseling far outweigh the negatives. Online couples therapy is a powerful way for engaged couples to discuss all of their marital differences before arriving at the altar. It is a proven and effective tool for couples to start on the right foot for a lifetime of happiness and growth.
References
- Carroll, J. S., & Doherty, W. J. (2003). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Premarital Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analytic Review of Outcome Research. Family Relations, 52(2), 105–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2003.00105.x
- Altaleb, O. (2016, May 25). Canceled weddings are more common than you think. WTOP News. https://wtop.com/consumer-news/2016/05/canceled-weddings-common-think/
- Lombardo, C. R. (2018, August 3). 20 Significant Premarital Counseling Statistics. HRF. https://healthresearchfunding.org/20-significant-premarital-counseling-statistics/
Amanda is a wellness writer & enthusiast with over 12 years experience writing in the industry. She has a bachelors degree in Creative Writing from NYU. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American School of Nutrition & Personal Training. Amanda is also a celebrity publicist.