The foundation of a healthy marriage is more than romance. It requires emotional skill, intentional preparation, and practical tools for long-term success. Research by Dr. John Gottman shows that couples who participate in premarital counseling experience less conflict, deeper intimacy, and greater marital satisfaction (Gottman, 1999).
Gottman’s well-known “magic ratio” of five positive interactions for every negative one sets resilient couples apart from those at higher risk of distress or divorce (Gottman & Silver, 2015). Premarital counseling offers couples effective communication strategies, emotional awareness exercises, and conflict resolution tools that promote long-term relational health (Garrett Counseling, 2024).
Sessions also help couples explore their attachment styles, family histories, and expectations regarding finances, intimacy, and parenting—topics that research consistently links to lasting marital satisfaction (Simpson, 1990; Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 2023). Couples who learn these skills before marriage tend to build stronger partnerships that adapt well to the challenges of decades of change.
References
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The seven principles for making marriage work. Crown Publishers.
Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). What makes love last? How to build trust and avoid betrayal. Simon & Schuster.
Garrett Counseling. (2024, October 21). What is premarital counseling & why is it important? https://garrettcounseling.com/what-is-premarital-counseling-why-is-it-important/
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. (2023). How premarital counseling can strengthen your relationship.
Groom, J. (2001). What works in premarital counseling? Journal of Pastoral Counseling, 36, 46.
Simpson, J. A. (1990). Influence of attachment styles on romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(5), 971.