What is Christian Premarital Counselling?

Christian premarital counselling is a specialised service that aims to prepare couples for marriage by integrating evidence-based psychology with a Christian worldview. Life to the Full offers this service, with its founding director being an accredited facilitator of the "Prepare and Enrich" program, which forms the core of their approach. This service is available both in-person and online via telehealth across Australia, as people are willing to use online services if a Christian therapist is available.

Here's a breakdown of Christian premarital counselling:

• Purpose and Goals

  Christian premarital counselling is primarily a preventative measure, designed to help couples understand their strengths and weaknesses before marriage. It operates from the understanding that there is no perfect couple, and all relationships will have areas for growth and challenges. The counselling helps couples be aware of potential difficulties and equips them emotionally for the commitment they are about to make, rather than just planning a wedding. It also helps couples determine if they "should or shouldn't get engaged," making it "very wise to do it before you get engaged".

• Process and What it Entails

  The process typically begins with each partner independently completing a 150-question survey. This survey asks questions about themselves and their partner without revealing the categories beforehand. The "Prepare and Enrich" program then synthesises these responses into a report, which the counsellor uses to guide a minimum of four sessions with the couple. Each session generally covers two of the eight identified categories. Sessions involve both conceptual discussions and practical exercises; for example, if financial management is a weakness, couples might learn how to construct a budget, or if communication is an issue, they might practise dialoguing techniques.

• Key Areas Covered

  The "Prepare and Enrich" report focuses on several key areas of the relationship, including:

  ◦ Communication

  ◦ Conflict Resolution

  ◦ Sexual Expectations (with Life to the Full's Head of Sex & Relationships, providing expertise in this area)

  ◦ Attitudes of Family and Friends

  ◦ Partner Habits

  ◦ Spiritual Beliefs

  ◦ Family of Origin

• Distinction from Secular Counselling

  A significant difference lies in the integration of faith and a Christian worldview. The "Prepare and Enrich" survey includes a specific section on spiritual beliefs, covering topics such as prayer, church attendance, and how children might be raised in the faith. Beyond explicit questions, Christian premarital counselling explores the theological understanding of marriage as a covenant (a sacred promise) and its role as a "metaphor for Christ and the church". This emphasis prioritises commitment over mere compatibility, acknowledging that people change throughout life and commitment is foundational to navigating these changes. It also challenges the secular idea that all satisfaction can be found through a spouse, instead encouraging the expectation of disappointment at times and seeing God as the head of the marriage. The format of counselling sessions does not differ between Christian and non-Christian couples; only the content related to spiritual matters is adjusted.

• Ideal Timing and Stigma

  The ideal time to seek premarital counselling is when a couple is seriously considering marriage, whether they are dating or already engaged. A modified version of the report can also be used by married couples for a "health check" on their relationship. Life to the Full strives to create a non-judgmental space, addressing the misconception that seeking counselling implies something is "seriously wrong" or that "you must be on the brink of divorce". Instead, seeking premarital counselling can be seen as a sign of "true strength of the relationship", acknowledging human imperfection and embracing proactive preparation for the complexities of married life.

• Who Provides It?

  Currently, the founding director is the primary counsellor for these sessions, but a sexologist and another relationship counsellor are being onboarded to also provide this service. Life to the Full explicitly states that all their psychologists, counsellors, coaches, and theologians are suitably qualified and members of their respective accrediting bodies.

Ready to take this important step?

Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.