When we get married, most of us believe that our love will be enough to get us through the difficult times in life and especially our marriage. Over time, problems may arise. There may be external stressors such as moves, long hours at work, unemployment, a sick child, struggles with extended family, or financial problems that put significant strain on a marriage. Many people think that their marriage is doomed if it is “bad” enough to go for counselling. The truth is that many couples wait too long to get help for their marriage. In marital counselling couples can learn new tools for improved communication and managing their conflict and are likely to have a better understanding of the role that they play in their ongoing struggles. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, couples can find healing and enjoy a healthy, rewarding relationship with each other. If you are concerned about your marriage, and your spouse won’t come to counselling with you, then you may find counselling as an individual to be helpful. There are many things you can work on that may bring more peace and enjoyment for you in your marriage. It is not unusual for one partner to go for counselling before their spouse is ready to participate.

Are you engaged and planning to get married? Samaritan Counselling Centre offers engaged couples a pre-marriage educational opportunity to explore the dynamics of marriage. This consultation and counselling is called Preparing for Marriage.

This assessment coupled with and agreed upon the number of sessions with one of our premarital counsellors helps you and your partner:

• Identify strength and growth areas
• Explore personality traits
• Strengthen communication skills
• Resolve conflicts and reduce stress
• Compare family backgrounds
• Comfortably discuss financial issues
• Establish personal, couple, and family goals

After taking the assessment, the couple then meets with the premarital counsellor.