You and your future spouse have decided to get married and you want to make sure your relationship is as strong as it can be. Both of you know that when the foundation of a relationship isn’t solid before building a life together, it can lead to problems down the road. That’s why you’ve made the wise decision to seek premarital counseling.
Premarital counseling in Atlanta, GA is a great way for couples to learn about themselves and each other in a supportive, and can be faith-oriented, environment. It allows you both to explore your relationship more deeply and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. But, how do you get the most out of premarital counseling?
Have Questions? Ask! 
You’re here because you have questions. Questions about yourself, your partner, and your future together. Make a list of questions that you would like to ask during the premarital counseling sessions. Whether it’s about communication, finances, or family dynamics, don’t be afraid to bring them up. Your marriage counselor in Atlanta, GA is there to help facilitate these discussions and provide guidance.
For example, you can ask questions like, “How do you navigate conflicts in a healthy way?” or “How do you see our future family dynamic and potential challenges we may face?” By asking these questions, you are actively engaging in the counseling process and showing your commitment to improving your relationship. Plus, you will already have knowledge on this when the situation arises.
Address Issues You Want to Fix
You’re here in counseling because you want to begin your marriage on solid ground. Take this opportunity to address any issues that you may be struggling with. This can be navigating a multicultural relationship, having different faiths, or dealing with past traumas. It can even be thinking of date ideas! Don’t be afraid to open up and share your concerns with your partner in a safe and supportive environment.
Now, why should you address them during premarital counseling and not later on? Because if you don’t address the issues before they become bigger problems, they can easily lead to resentment and conflict in your marriage. By addressing them now, you’re not allowing those issues to grow into real problems. You’re taking a proactive approach and taking care of them before they become unmanageable.
Keep the Family in Mind 
Your marriage is not just about the two of you, but also about your future family. If you have children from previous relationships and are blending families, this is a great time to discuss how you will navigate that dynamic. You can also talk about your parenting styles and expectations for raising children together. It can also help you both get ahead on communicating about financial decisions and planning for the future of your family.
For example, you can discuss how to handle finances as a blended family, or how to handle differences in parenting styles. You can ask questions like, “How do you think we can work together to create a united front in disciplining children?” or “What are your goals for our family and how can we support each other to achieve them?” By addressing these topics now, you are setting yourselves up for success as a couple and as parents.
Be Open to Doubt
Let’s be honest, every couple has their doubts. Maybe it’s anxiety, growing up watching an unhealthy marriage, or just feeling unsure about the future. And that’s okay. So, if you’re asking yourself “Should I be getting married?”, “Should I marry this person?”, or “Am I ready for this commitment?”, know that you are not alone. Doubt happens before any big decision, and marriage is definitely a big one.
In premarital counseling in Atlanta, GA, you can explore these doubts and work through them together. For example, finding the root of your doubts and addressing them can help alleviate some of the anxiety or uncertainty you may be feeling. Because maybe, after addressing these doubts, you will find reassurance and confirmation that you are making the right decision. Plus, if you survive premarital counseling with your future spouse and still want to get married, that’s a good sign!
Apply Communication Skills Early
Here is your reminder that communication is key in any relationship. Even if you’ve been together for years, known each other since childhood, or think you know everything about each other, communication is still vital. Use the skills and tools that you learn in premarital counseling to practice effective communication now. Because like with any new skill, practice makes perfect.
This means being open and honest with each other, actively listening without judgment, and expressing your needs and concerns clearly. Now, this doesn’t mean listen to just respond, it means listen to understand. And remember, communication is a two-way street, so make sure you also give your partner the space and opportunity to express themselves.
Premarital Counseling is Cheaper than Divorce! 
This might sound like a shocking statement, but it’s true. When couples face issues in their marriage that they are unable to resolve on their own, they often turn to divorce as the solution. Divorce can be expensive and emotionally draining for both parties involved. Which is why we even have a blog called “The Cost Comparison: Divorce vs Marriage Counseling“. The cost of premarital counseling is nothing compared to the cost of divorce.
Investing in your relationship now and learning how to effectively communicate and work through any issues can save you time, money, and heartache in the future. Because divorce isn’t just financially costly. It also takes an emotional toll on individuals and families. So, take the time to invest in your relationship, prevent divorce, and prepare for a strong and healthy marriage. Plus, if you complete premarital counseling, William Hemphill, the marriage counselor in Atlanta, GA here at Faith and Family Empowerment, will give you a discount on your marriage license and he will certify it.
Have Awareness
Being aware going into premarital counseling of your faults, weaknesses, and communication styles can help you get the most out of each session. Being aware means being open to feedback and willing to work on yourself. It also means recognizing that your partner may have their own faults, weaknesses, and communication styles that need addressing.
By having awareness, you are setting a foundation for growth and improvement in your relationship. You are taking responsibility for your own actions and how they may be affecting your partner. And most importantly, you are showing that you are committed to making your relationship the best it can be. Plus, you can use some time in counseling to figure out post marriage counseling and things that come with it. Do you move in to your place or theirs? Find a new place? Or, what about finances? Do you keep your bank accounts separate? These are all important things to discuss and come to an agreement on before saying “I do.” So, talking with your counselor about post marriage counseling topics can also be beneficial. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and grow together.
Premarital counseling in Atlanta, GA is more than a milestone before getting married. It is an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your marriage and future family. By keeping all of these tips and topics in mind, you can make the most out of your counseling sessions and start your marriage on a solid and healthy path. Congratulations on taking this step towards a strong and fulfilling relationship! So let’s get started with premarital counseling today, and build a happy, healthy and loving married life together!
Get the Most Out of Premarital Counseling in Atlanta, GA
As you embark on this journey of premarital counseling in Atlanta, GA, remember to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow together. This is not just a box to check off before getting married, but an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your marriage and future family. At Faith and Family Empowerment, our founder is a marriage counselor in Altanta, GA and offers premarital counseling to anyone in the state of Georgia. We also offer online therapy in Atlanta, GA or those who are unable to come into our office in the state of Georgia. Our Decatur, GA-based practice offers a welcoming environment where you and your partner can feel comfortable discussing any concerns or doubts you may have about marriage. Together, we will work towards building a strong and healthy relationship that lasts a lifetime. When you’re ready to begin counseling these steps:
- Contact me to schedule an initial appointment
- Learn more about me and my services
- Make the most out of your counseling sessions and commit to building a strong and healthy marriage!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Premarital Counseling in Atlanta, GA is just one of the many therapy services offered at Faith and Family Empowerment in Decatur, GA. I’m happy to offer a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include Christian counseling, and depression support groups. Other mental health services include online therapy, premarital counseling, discernment counseling, and counseling for affair recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!
About the Author 
Discover William Hemphill, a seasoned therapist with over twenty years of experience, dedicated to guiding couples through the journey of premarital counseling. William offers tailored advice and empowering strategies for couples eager to foster joy, embed deep values, and build a strong foundation before marriage. As the visionary behind Faith and Family Empowerment, he focuses on enhancing the unique dynamics of each relationship. Whether it’s about deepening trust, boosting self-esteem, or nurturing a closer bond, William’s empathetic approach and seasoned insight will help you prepare for a fulfilling future together. Looking for expert guidance on premarital counseling in Atlanta, GA? You found the expert. https://faithandfamilyempowerment.com/contact-me/