Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the next step! The path you are about to embark upon is going to shape and change you in ways you never thought possible and the good news is that you get to walk together! Designing Success Counseling will help you start out your journey on the right foot!

As you near the day of your wedding, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the commitment you have embarked upon. Premarital counseling is an invaluable opportunity not only to agree on matters from finance to family, but it is also an excellent opportunity for you to learn to disagree lovingly with your spouse while working through conflict.

 

Perhaps you have seen a newlywed couple, full of promise, whose marriage is short-lived only because they did not get a solid start. Also, reflect on other couples in your care who are stuck in a rut and not reaching their full potential. As you know, the current divorce rate (both in Christian and non-Christian environments exceeds 50%).

Now think of the difference it would make if these same couples had a different starting point -- where the couple could have their values and standards Biblically examined by professional Christian therapists. This, in turn, would help determine if they are fully compatible for one another. Christian premarital counseling helps a couple establish what God wants from their marriage.

Therefore, the purpose of Christian premarital counseling is to ensure that these future spouses enter into a covenant - with their eyes wide open.

The difference that Christian premarital counseling brings to the table is the use of relevant Scripture. Having an unbiased source that provides understanding, a system of rules, expectations, and finally solutions to common everyday problems is not only preventative in nature but also therapeutic. It goes without saying, that the process of Christian premarital counseling is especially important to those who may be headed to an 'unequally yoked' relationship.

 

What to Expect

  • Ideally, Christian premarital counseling would start 6 months prior to one's wedding date. This will allow optimal time for counseling and completing the assignments before anyone says 'I do.'

 

  • Sample topics to address: transitioning into the 'married life', what are the building blocks for having a healthy marriage, spatiality and devotional time, establishing Biblically based values and standards to live by, communication, developing problem solving skills, dealing with personal and joint hurts, finances, sexuality, involvement with in-laws, children, pets, alcohol and chemical use, etc.
  • Couples will be challenged to develop a world and life view that has its source In God's Word.
  • Premarital counseling is a time for couples to discuss in an open, honest, and non-threatening atmosphere ways to better understand themselves and each other.
  • Couples will be presented with a Certificate of Completion; at the end of the course to symbolize their success and may possibly used be to receive a discount during purchase of their marriage license.