– What is the Difference Between Couples Therapy and Premarital Counseling?

THESE ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COUPLES THERAPY AND PREMARITAL COUNSELING IN NASHVILLE

The simple difference between couples therapy and premarital counseling in Nashville is that in couples therapy, partners typically come to a session with a particular issue they want resolved. In premarital counseling, the partners are generally getting along well and want to be proactive in discovering their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility points. In couples therapy, the therapist will typically begin by asking what brings them in and where are they wanting help. In premarital counseling, the therapist will begin by outlining the process for working through the particular structure for the premarital counseling package.

Generally, premarital counseling will have a prescribed number of sessions where the therapist will lead the couple through various concepts and ideas. Couples therapy typically has no end date, but is dictated by the growth and healing of the couple. Couples therapy’s goal is to move the couple out of frustration and stagnation and into healthy relating and loving again. Premarital counseling’s goal is provide as much relevant feedback to the couple about where they are already performing well in the relationship and where they might run into pitfalls in the future.

In premarital counseling, we can spend some time addressing a specific issue, but the goal is provide an overarching picture of how the couple relates and where there are opportunities for growth and connection. In couples therapy, we generally don’t move on to other issues until we have adequately addressed the specific issue that is keeping them stuck or frustrated. We can spend 20 minutes or 5 sessions on a specific topic to make sure there enough understanding and empathy so that particular issue isn’t thwarting growth and movement.

Oftentimes, people will call my office and wonder if they should start with premarital counseling or couples therapy. Usually, this is a couple that is engaged or thinking about getting engaged and they want to know what will be the best use of their time. The simple answer is usually based on what they are seeking from me. If they want me to help them with a particular issue or situation and they have lots of thoughts and feelings about that issue, then I would direct them towards couples therapy. If they want me to direct the session and walk them through a general understanding of healthy relationships, then I would direct them towards premarital counseling.

HOW TO DECIDE BETWEEN COUPLES THERAPY AND PREMARTIAL COUNSELING IN NASHVILLE

For most people, that distinction listed above is enough to help them effectively decide which option is the best for them. However, if you are still having difficulty knowing which choice is best for your relationship, please feel free to give Chris Roberts a call at (615) 800-9260 to Two Trees Counseling Nashville to inquire further about your questions. You can also reach out to Chris at chris@nashvillecounselor.net. Chris has many years experience at helping couples walk through premarital counseling and also restoring the relationship with couples therapy. In either case, reaching out to a therapist for guidance and clarity is typically a great investment for your future with your current partner.