Premarital therapy can involve several different things. First, it can help highlight the strengths of the couple so that the relationship can have a strong foundation of trust, understanding and open and honest communication.
When I work with couples for premarital therapy, I look at communication styles and, if needed, will help each partner communicate in ways that the other person can hear. Each person has a slightly different communications style; whether they are direct, passive, loud, quiet, calm, or intense in their style, they can learn how to effectively communicate how their partner will hear them best.
For couples who don’t believe that they have any issues, premarital therapy can be a place where you discover differences that you would not have foreseen otherwise that might have become a bigger issue later on in the relationship. It provides a place where you and your partner can talk about topics before they become an issue. Ben Franklin said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is my belief about premarital therapy. Many people get cold feet before their wedding/commitment ceremony. Many times, this occurs because of the many unknowns about the other person. Premarital therapy is designed to help shed light on those unknowns so you know the information sooner, rather than later. This is not to say that premarital therapy is going make every couple stronger. It may very well bring up issues that are “make it or break it” issues for people and they decide to go their separate ways. Although this is not the norm (because many couples have addressed “make it or break it issues” previously), this can happen. The purpose is to meet with a therapist to find out what issues there are and to figure out a way to compromise and make those differences a positive thing.
Common Questions About Premarital Therapy:
How long will premarital therapy take?
Premarital therapy usually involves 2-4 sessions, and can be extended if deeper issues need to be worked on.
Where to go for premarital therapy in Long Beach?
I provide premarital therapy at my office. Most therapists who work with couples also do premarital therapy. When a therapist works a lot with couples, they are aware of issues that come up later on in relationships and can help a couple address those issues early.
Is premarital therapy covered under my insurance?
Most insurance plans that cover couples therapy will cover premarital therapy as well. If you call the insurance company before, you can get a preauthorization for therapy so that you know for sure. Also, if you call my office, I can find that information out prior to your first appointment.
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