Pre-Marital Counseling

There are experts who say that premarital counseling doesn’t work. In some ways, those experts are correct. Premarital counseling that simply touches the surface of the relationship, never peering under the veil of romance and excitement, doesn’t work. If you are willing to explore, talk, work and pray, premarital counseling can set a foundation for an exciting, rewarding and stable relationship.

Pre-Marital Therapy Topics

Couples read and discuss the materials in:

Preparing for Marriage by David Boehi, Brent Nelson, Jeff Schulte & Lloyd Shadrach (one copy provided to each participant)
The DNA of Relationships by Dr. Gary Smalley
Boundaries in Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Topics include:

Sharing Personal History

Understanding and Revealing Expectations
God’s Idea of Marriage
Seeking God’s will for your marriage
Authentic Communication/Emotional Communication
Implementing God’s plan for roles and responsibilities in marriage
Stewardship and Financial Goals
Intimacy: Sexual Communication in Marriage
Taking personal responsibility for your part in the marriage
Creating a safe environment
Core fears that fuel arguments and distance
Appropriate self-care
Teamwork and the No-Losers Policy
Freedom to love one anther – where there is control, or perception of control, there is not love.
The Ten Laws of Boundaries
Core Values: Love of God, Love of Spouse, Honesty, Faithfulness, Compassion and Forgiveness, Holiness.
Six Kinds of Conflict
Resolving Conflicts
Avoiding the Misuse of Boundaries in Marriage.