The Value of Pre-Marriage (or Pre-Move-in) Counseling

When two people come together and join their lives, whether through marriage or living together, worlds collide!  We all have our preconceived ideas about what being in a committed relationship means and what it looks likes.  Many times some of our ideas are different from our partner, and that can create conflict and stress in the relationship.

Unfortunately many people have the idea that seeking counseling before marriage is a sign that you should not be getting married.  They think it means there is trouble in the relationship.  Of course there are times where this is the case.  However, I view pre-marital counseling as an insurance policy: you want to insure that your marriage has the best possible chance of succeeding.

Pre-marital counseling is a way to identify potential pitfalls in the relationship and address them before they do create problems.  Counseling can help you and your partner understand where your visions for your relationship differ and find common ground.  It can help to uncover differences you did not even know were there and find their resolution without the stress of being caught up in a current problem.

Seeking pre-marital, or pre-move-in, counseling also signals that you are serious about your relationship and willing to do whatever you can to keep it healthy and happy.