Why Premarital Counseling Is Helpful When There Was An Affair
Have thoughts of a past affair that your partner had made you think twice about walking down the aisle? You may find that help from a premarital counselor at a company like Shalom Counseling and Mediation Center is the best way to sort out your concerns, and it can give you and your partner a deeper understanding of each other. Find out below how premarital counseling can be helpful before marrying a partner that you don't trust.
How is Premarital Counseling Helpful After an Affair?
The first thing that a marriage counselor will do is find out if there is real love between you and your partner. Sometimes people get into long relationships and only get married because they don't know how to end it. A counselor will speak to your partner about what led to him or her having the affair, as knowing the root of the problem can provide an answer. For instance, if your partner cheated because there is no fire between you two anymore, planning occasional dates may help.
The great thing about premarital counseling is that it is usually interactive. You and your partner will have to participate in exercises that are meant to strengthen the relationship. The exercises will focus on areas of the relationship that are not as strong as others, such as communication, intimacy and being more understanding of each other's needs.
How Long Does Premarital Counseling Last?
Premarital counseling sessions can vary in number because it depends on the complexity of your relationship. Premarital counseling that is due to an affair may lead to you and your partner needing more help than with other types of relationship problems. The counselor will make sure that both of you are completely confident about walking down the aisle by the time of the last session. If there is no real progress after several counseling sessions, he or she may recommend separation.
Keep in mind that it may be ideal to keep the counselor around if you and your partner finally walk down the aisle. He or she can help both of you get off to a good start, especially if it will be your first time living together. You can utilize the professional advice of a counselor as long as it is needed. There are some married couples that keep a permanent counselor that they can go to in bad times. Get in touch with a counseling center to get the professional premarital help that you need before making a life-changing decision!