Prepare Your Relationship for Marriage
Humans were created to be together. Science says that physically, mentally and emotionally, we thrive when we are in a healthy and secure relationship. So why are we breaking up and getting divorced at high rates? The short answer to this complicated question is that we do not understand ourselves, our partner, and our shared dynamic. When we do not take time to understand ourselves or our partner, we create a complicated, uncomfortable, inconvenient “mess.” Everyone’s “mess” looks different, but here’s an idea of what it might look like.
Bob and Tina are set to get married this summer. Tina is flooded with apprehension due to Bob’s laziness. At first, Tina thought Bob wanting to relax on Sundays was great, she enjoyed snuggling and a slow brunch. But now she believes the time could be spent wiser. Like accomplishing house projects, accomplishing wedding tasks or heaven forbid attending church every once in awhile! The thought of church just spirals her into guilt and worry about their hypothetical-children-that-aren’t-born-yet’s future.
Bob is irritated that Tina has become so demanding. She’s not the carefree Tina anymore. Which is probably a good thing because carefree Tina drank too much and racked up a lot of credit card debt. He doesn’t get why she’s so defensive when he talks about finances and budgeting. She should be grateful she has a soon-to-be-husband who is responsible, unlike her own dad. Don’t get him started on Tina’s family. They are a bit too much.
I can hear you saying it “Wow, this is terrible, they should not get married!” But there is hope for Bob and Tina, and for all of us! Prepare/Enrich is a premarital program that prepares couples for marriage and provides support for married couples who want to enrich their relationship. It focuses on building understanding as a couple, and as individuals who are committed to a shared relationship.
Over 4 millions couples have completed P/E. It is one of the most researched programs in the world. It provides evidence based skills and insight that can build a healthy relationship. Studies show that couples who engage in P/E prior to marriage have a dramatically lower rate of divorce than couples who do not engage in counseling.
Prepare/Enrich covers important topics like communication, stress, finances, relationship roles, family dynamics, parenting and much more.
Here’s how it works:
Make an appointment to work with a Prepare/Enrich certified Therapist.
Take the assessment.
Attend 6-10 counseling sessions.
Complete weekly homework assignments.
As a facilitator I enjoy the strengths-based approach of P/E. It allows couples to build on their strengths and learn ways to work through their growth opportunities. The program is customizable too. It allows us to include other therapeutic interventions that might be helpful to the relationship. I love witnessing the enrichment of relationships.
And a quick and final note. Relationships do not have to be a “mess” to go to counseling. Going to counseling at any time is not an indicator of your future relationship. It is an investment. In fact, you can do some of your best work and growth when things aren’t a mess!
Sound like something you or a couple friend would benefit from? Set an appointment today!
Jessica Nickels,
LPC, cPT
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