Twin Cities Marriage & Family Therapy in Eden Prairie, MN
Research consistently reveals that couples who attend premarital counseling experience higher levels of relationship satisfaction and improved communication. Despite these proven benefits, a mere 36% of couples choose to participate in counseling. This hesitancy could be attributed to the lingering stigma around therapy, perpetuating the misconception that seeking counseling implies a flaw in the relationship.
Challenging the Stigma
The prevailing notion of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has unfortunately permeated our perspectives on relationships. Instead, let’s adopt a more proactive mindset—one that prioritizes strengthening the relationship to prevent potential issues. Relationships require ongoing investment of time, energy, and intentional interactions. Premarital counseling does not eliminate all conflicts, but it equips couples with a deeper understanding of themselves and each other and facilitates discussions on key areas that often lead to disagreements.
Modern Challenges and Dynamics
Contemporary couples face distinct challenges that our parents and grandparents did not. With couples marrying later in life, transitioning from an individualistic mindset to a collective “we” can be daunting. Premarital counseling addresses these challenges, helping individuals navigate the potential loss of independence that accompanies marriage. Additionally, the impact of social media on relationships cannot be overlooked. Counseling provides a safe space to discuss and mitigate the detrimental effects of comparing your relationship to others. A counselor can also help you build your definition of infidelity which can become blurred thanks to technology.
Navigating Crucial Topics
As mentioned, premarital counseling delves into critical areas that commonly lead to conflicts in marriages, such as finances, sex, children, in-laws, and household responsibilities. This process involves guided conversations that unearth differences and potential areas of contention. By addressing these topics before they escalate, couples can proactively develop strategies to handle disagreements, ensuring a healthier and more resilient marriage.
Our Approach to Premarital Counseling
One common questions we are asked is if our premarital counseling sessions are compliant with Minnesota’s requirement for the $75 discount on a marriage license. In our experience, premarital counseling only requires 4-8 sessions to set you up for success long term in your relationship. Additionally, our cost per session is greater than the discount you would receive on your marriage license. With that being said, we highly recommend premarital counseling to any couples wanting to build a stronger foundation for their marriage. Contact us to get started with a premarital counselor today.