PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING 
Laura is interviewed about premarital counseling in Minnesota Bride  - "Marriage 101" Sping/Summer 2008

Every marriage has a unique purpose and mission. Many couples enter marriage with illusions and fantasies and are startled to wake up to the reality of the commitment of marriage. Premarital counseling can help us to demystify marriage and to identify challenges before they feel insurmountable.

What makes a relationship a “union of the beloved,” or the “perfect fit,” is not that there are no disagreements, sadness, or anger – in fact in a good, healthy relationship there is plenty of that. What makes a union one of “the beloved” or a “perfect” fit is the commitment between two people to grow together.  This kind of commitment between two people allows them to use their marriage as a springboard toward a higher consciousness. It is an opportunity to grow and learn more about themselves by using what arises in the relationship as a teaching or a mirror.

All of us carry wounds from our childhood. All of us have been conditioned by our family and our culture to behave in patterns that have supported our growth up to the current moment. The only requirement for living an extraordinary life and have exceptionally loving relationships is a commitment to personal growth.    

Using your marriage, your important relationships and/or your most difficult relationships as an instrument for your growth and transformation will lead you toward wonderful insights regarding your destiny, your work, your potential and your dreams.    

In this work you will learn practices that will take you beyond conflict and open you to the powerful force of love. Love will always shine its light and reveal that which has been lingering in the shadows. When we shine the light of consciousness and awareness on the parts of our small ego self – those aspects dissolve and the essential Self is revealed.

Topics covered:

• Marriage compatibility/inventory test
• Marriage vision, a "road map" for your relationship
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Finance
• Intimacy Tolerance
• Physical Intimacy
• Conscious & Unconscious Marriage
• Closing Exits

It is recommended that counseling be done at least six months prior to marriage
 

Each session is 75 minutes

Homework and practice is recommended as well as some reading. 

Many counties offer discounts on marriage licenses for couples who have completed a course of premarital counseling.