If you and your partner are making plans to spend the rest of your lives together, the topic of premarital counseling might have popped up. This type of therapy is a helpful way to prepare you both for making a major long-term commitment and give you advance notice about issues that may arise in the future.
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Premarital counseling isn’t often used as a way to solve conflict between a couple, although it can be used this way if you’re having troubles. Instead, it’s designed to help you build solid relationship skills, strengthen communication and develop a better connection between you and your partner before you get married.
While there are many benefits to in-person therapy, it isn’t the best solution for everyone. Thankfully, today that isn’t the only option available to couples who want to strengthen their relationship before they tie the knot.
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What is online premarital counseling?
If you’re interested in couple’s therapy but don’t want to physically attend appointments at a counselor’s office, online premarital counseling could be the answer to your problems.
Both types of counseling cover the same topics. The primary difference is that traditional counseling is done face-to-face in a counselor’s office, while online premarital counseling is done over the internet.
Fast and reliable internet connections, the availability of smart devices and sophisticated video calling software means you and your partner can discuss your relationship with a professional online and have essentially the same experience as if you were there in person.
Benefits of online therapy
Many couples find it difficult enough to spend quality time together, let alone find time to attend therapy sessions. Thankfully, online premarital counseling makes therapy much more accessible and comfortable for everyone involved.
Here are some of the advantages online therapy offers:
- Flexibility
Online therapy can be done from anywhere you have a strong internet connection and access to a smart device. This allows you to be more flexible and attend sessions when you normally wouldn’t be able to, such as during your lunch break at work or after you return home from the gym.
- Comfort
Many people find it uncomfortable to attend premarital counseling for the first time. Talking to a stranger about your relationship in unfamiliar surroundings can be distressing. With online counseling, you can find a safe space, put on some comfy clothes and talk to your therapist through a screen.
- Affordability
Therapy prices vary largely depending on your state and city. But generally, online therapy sessions are cheaper than in-person counseling sessions. This is because online therapists have fewer overheads than counselors who rent offices. By attending online therapy, you also reduce the amount you’d spend on gas or public transport traveling back and forth.
- Commitment
The more hurdles which are in the way, the less likely you are to commit to something in the long-run. Online premarital therapy removes many of the challenges people have with attending counseling sessions, making it much easier for you to stick with the full program.
- More time together
As online premarital counseling takes up less time than in-person therapy, you’re able to spend more time together working on your relationship. Enjoying life as a couple and using your time to build a strong, healthy relationship is better than spending it traveling back and forth from a therapist’s office.
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How to decide
In-person therapy works best for some, while others prefer online counseling. Neither option is better than the other and both have their advantages which suit different budgets, needs, lifestyles and relationship goals.
To help you decide if online premarital counseling is best for you and your partner, answer the following questions:
- Do you both have the physical means and availability to attend in-person counseling sessions?
- Have you found a premarital counselor in your local area you both want to see?
- Can you afford to pay for a complete premarital counseling program in-person?
- Are you both comfortable attending weekly premarital counseling sessions in-person for weeks or months?
If you answered ‘No’ to one or more of the questions, online premarital therapy could be beneficial for you and your relationship. Schedule your first couple’s evaluation appointment with one of our specialist counselors today to get started.
By committing to strengthen and improve your relationship, you’re laying the foundation for a caring, loving relationship which will stand the test of time.
