What is Pre-marital Counseling?
Pre-marital counseling is a professional service provided to couples who are planning to get married. It aims to deepen each partner's understanding of the other and to foster a more realistic perspective on marriage. This service aims to build consensus in future marital and family relationships, boosting the couple's confidence as they approach the changes that come with married life. Numerous studies have indicated that pre-marital counseling can effectively establish a stronger and more successful marriage. For instance, a study in the United States found that couples who underwent counseling were often able to improve their communication and interaction patterns in the short term, and even instantly, thereby enhancing the quality of the couple's relationship before and after marriage (Caroll & Doherty, 2003).
Our center utilizes the PREPARE/ENRICH marital assessment tool, one of the most extensively researched instruments in the field, known for its evidence-based, validated approach. It offers an experience tailored to the unique needs of each couple. The tool provides a detailed evaluation across key areas such as communication, conflict resolution, personality, expectations, family and friend dynamics, religious beliefs, and sexual expectations. It is designed to identify and build on relationship strengths, facilitating growth and resilience in facing relational challenges. The initial session with a counseling psychologist covers the assessment's objectives and essential details, after which couples proceed with the evaluation.
Pre-marital/Couples Counseling Services
Managed by a Registered Counseling Psychologist certified in PREPARE/ENRICH facilitation.
Service target
Couples preparing or considering for marriage
Counseling Content
| Session | Content |
| 1 | Understanding the Couple Individually, the Journey from Acquaintance to Romance, Mutual Appreciation |
| 2 | Family Background, Relationship & Marital Expectations |
| 3 | Open Communication & Conflict Resolution, Love Language |
| 4 | Similarities & Differences in Personality |
| 5 | Wedding Preparation / Relationship with In-laws / Leisure Activities |
| 6 | Sexual Expectations / Parenting / Financial Matters / Religious Beliefs |
Counseling Sessions & Duration
Premarital counseling provides 4 and 6 sessions-package with 90 minutes for each session. There is no additional charge for the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment.
The 5th and 6th session’s contents are limited to couples who participate in total 6 sessions of premarital counseling.
*Premarital counseling is recommended to be completed within 4 months to achieve the best counseling effectiveness. After completing 4 or 6 sessions of premarital counseling, the couple will receive the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment report and Certificate of Attendance of Premarital Counseling.
Reference
Carroll, J. S. & Doherty, W. J. (2003). Evaluating the effectiveness of premarital prevention programs: A meta‐analytic review of outcome research. Family relations, 52(2), 105-118.
For more information, please fill in the Service Enquiry Form /call us at 2871 6700 / Whatsapp 5539 6773, email [email protected]/contact us via Facebook messenger, thankyou.