MARRIAGE PREPARATION
What is Marriage Preparation?
Marriage preparation usually consists of 3 one-hour sessions designed to help you, as a couple:
v Explore the history and development of your relationship
v Learn how each person’s family background and previous relationships can affect your current relationship
v Discuss family roles and expectations
v Affirm the strengths of your relationship and discuss areas for further growth
v Identify issues that may concern you and get some ideas on what might help you address these concerns
v Share your hopes and dreams for the future and how the relationship can be strengthened and continue to grow
v Identify the skills and attitudes which will keep your relationship healthy
Why do Marriage Preparation?
v You can feel more relaxed and confident about your relationship
v You will have more skills to deal with issues as they arise
v You will have the opportunity to look at your relationship from a variety of perspectives, and gain a richer appreciation for all the factors that contribute to a satisfying relationship
v In response to a rising divorce rate, several U.S. states are considering requiring marriage preparation by family therapists.
Who can Benefit?
v Couples who want to explore their readiness for marriage
v Couples planning their first marriage
v Couples where one or both persons has been married already
v Couples who want to do marriage preparation in a private setting
What are the Advantages of Marriage Preparation?
v I offer the unique perspective of being an experienced marriage preparation group leader as well as a professional couple therapist
v Preparation is tailored to your particular needs as a couple
v Preparation is flexible to your schedule
v You have a maximum of privacy and individual attention Couples sometimes identify an issue on which they would like to do more work after they are married. Having already established a relationship with me makes it much easier to come back for a ‘tune-up.’
Marriage Preparation in a Group Format
Marriage Preparation is sometimes also available in a group format (maximum 10 couples) While this approach offers less 1-on-1 focus, it offers the added benefit of sharing with other couples and hearing some of their insights. This format is somewhat less interactive, but includes more information and resources about the latest thinking and research into what contributes to a satisfying marriage.
See also: http://www.uccanottawa.org for marriage preparation opportunities
I am licensed to perform marriages in Ontario, and would be happy to discuss this option with you. Because of my ethical commitment to supporting a thoughtful entry into marriage, I do not perform marriages for couples who have not undertaken some form of preparation or reflection before they marry. |