The Importance of Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is more than just a formality—it’s a proactive approach to ensuring that couples enter marriage with a clear understanding of each other and the tools needed to navigate the challenges ahead. Couples who engage in premarital counseling are better equipped to handle conflicts, communicate effectively, and align their goals and values. This preparation can significantly reduce the risk of misunderstandings and unmet expectations, leading to a more fulfilling and resilient marriage. Discussing with your therapist the differences between the premarital programs will help you choose the best for you as a couple.

What is Prepare and Enrich?

Prepare and Enrich is a comprehensive premarital counseling program that has been trusted by millions of couples worldwide. Developed by Dr. David Olson, the program is based on over 35 years of research and is designed to assess and strengthen key areas of a couple’s relationship.

The core of the program is a personalized online assessment that evaluates various aspects of the relationship, including communication, conflict resolution, finances, sexual expectations, and spiritual beliefs. The results provide a detailed overview of the couple’s strengths and growth areas, which are then explored in depth with the guidance of a certified facilitator.

The SYMBIS Assessment: Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

SYMBIS, created by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, stands for Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts. This premarital counseling tool is designed to help couples uncover the areas of their relationship that need attention before they walk down the aisle. Like Prepare and Enrich, SYMBIS is based on years of research and offers a highly personalized approach to premarital counseling.

The SYMBIS assessment covers a broad range of topics, including personality dynamics, communication styles, conflict resolution, financial management, and expectations for marriage. One of the unique features of SYMBIS is its focus on individual personality traits and how they interact within the relationship, offering couples insights into how their differences can be strengths rather than sources of conflict.

The Benefits of Using Prepare and Enrich and SYMBIS

1. Relationship Insights: Both assessments provide in-depth insights into key areas of a relationship, but they each have unique strengths. Prepare and Enrich offers a detailed look at a couple’s relationship dynamics, while SYMBIS focuses on the individual personalities and how they influence the partnership. Either one gives a good picture of the relationship, allowing couples to address both relational and individual factors.

2. Enhanced Communication and Conflict Resolution: Effective communication is crucial for any successful marriage. Prepare and Enrich helps couples identify and improve their communication patterns, while SYMBIS delves into how personality traits impact communication styles. By understanding these dynamics, couples can develop more effective ways to express themselves and resolve conflicts.

3. Alignment of Goals and Expectations: Both assessments encourage couples to discuss their goals, expectations, and values, ensuring they are aligned before marriage. Prepare and Enrich emphasizes practical areas like finances and roles, while SYMBIS explores deeper aspects like spiritual beliefs and life purpose. This helps couples ensure they are on the same page in all areas of their relationship.

4. Building a Stronger Foundation: The insights from Prepare and Enrich and SYMBIS help couples build a strong foundation for their marriage. By addressing potential challenges before they arise, couples can enter marriage with greater confidence and a clear plan for navigating the future together.

What to Expect in Premarital Counseling Sessions

When participating in premarital counseling with either Prepare and Enrich or SYMBIS, couples can expect a structured yet personalized experience. The process typically begins with each partner completing the online assessments, which take about 30-45 minutes each.

After the assessments are completed, a certified counselor or facilitator will guide the couple through several sessions, discussing the results and exploring key areas of the relationship. These sessions are interactive and often include exercises designed to help couples practice new skills, such as communication techniques or conflict resolution strategies.

The number of sessions can vary depending on the couple’s needs and the counselor’s approach, but most couples benefit from a series of sessions that allow them to fully explore and address the insights provided by the assessments.

Why Choose Premarital Counseling with Prepare and Enrich or SYMBIS?

Choosing to invest in premarital counseling with Prepare and Enrich or SYMBIS is a decision that reflects a commitment to building a strong and lasting marriage. These tools offer couples the opportunity to explore their relationship in depth, identify potential challenges, and develop the skills needed to navigate the ups and downs of married life.

By engaging in this process, couples are not only preparing for their wedding day but also laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment rooted in love, understanding, and mutual respect. The insights and skills gained through either of these programs can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient marriage, helping couples thrive as they embark on this exciting journey together.

Marriage is a significant and joyous commitment, and premarital counseling with Prepare and Enrich or SYMBIS provides couples with the tools they need to start this journey on the right foot. Couples can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship, build effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and align their goals and values.

Investing in premarital counseling is one of the best ways to ensure a strong, healthy, and lasting marriage. Whether you’re newly engaged or seriously dating, consider taking the step to prepare for your future together with the powerful tools offered by Prepare and Enrich or SYMBIS. By doing so, you’ll be setting the stage for a marriage that is not only enduring but also deeply fulfilling and enriching.

Citations:

• Olson, D. H., & Olson, A. K. (1999). Empowering Couples: Building on Your Strengths. Life Innovations, Inc.

• Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (2015). Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions to Ask Before—and After—You Marry. Zondervan.

• Larson, D. B., & Olson, D. H. (2008). Prepare/Enrich: Customized Version Workbook. Life Innovations, Inc.

• Parrott, L., & Parrott, L. (2005). The Complete Guide to Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts. Zondervan.

• Stanley, S. M., & Markman, H. J. (1997). Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love. Jossey-Bass.