Investing In Forever: What Is A Marriage Preparation Course?

Pre-marital counselling in Singapore is becoming increasingly popular among young couples – and for good reason. More people are recognising that romance isn’t enough to sustain a strong, lasting marriage; instead, a healthy lifelong relationship requires commitment, intention, and shared effort.

Some of the young people seeking couples counselling may come with their own experiences of intergenerational trauma, growing up around unhealthy relationship patterns, or having had past relationships that were less than smooth-sailing. Yet, even couples with stable relationships can find pre-marriage courses very helpful in equipping them to navigate big life changes that come with marriage – including the joining of two families, building their own home and family unit, and all the emotional and financial pressures that come with it.

If you are considering attending a marriage preparation course or are wondering whether it is for you, explore what you might expect in a premarital course or counselling programme below.

What to expect in a marriage preparation course

Marriage preparation courses usually follow a structured curriculum that covers a wide range of topics essential for a successful marriage. The sessions are often conducted by professional family counsellors, experienced family educators, or religious leaders (for faith-based courses), and involve a combination of assessments, teaching, and discussions.

For example, you may do a questionnaire that helps you understand your personality and communication style better. Then, you may learn about some frameworks for understanding conflicts and personality differences, in addition to tools and approaches to deal with conflicts more effectively.

If you choose a religious marriage preparation course, you will also learn about perspectives rooted in that religion. For example, a Christian pre-marriage course will incorporate Christian values and teachings, guiding couples to understand the Biblical basis of man and woman’s roles in marriage.

In the discussion sections, the marriage counsellor’s role is to guide you through the discussion – asking questions, prompting clarifications, and encouraging you to reflect deeper. For example, you may be asked to talk about any past or ongoing conflicts that you had with your partner, and how you both responded to it.

Most marriage courses are designed to touch on 1-2 topics per session. You will most likely cover topics such as:

·      Personal values, goals, and priorities

·      Differences in personalities and family upbringing

·      Communication styles and dealing with conflicts

·      Expectations about the roles of husband and wife

·      Expectations about building a family and responsibilities to existing family members (e.g. elderly parents)

·      Financial habits and expectations

·      Expectations and ideologies about intimacy

·      Past or present mental health concerns, including issues like trauma, grudges, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, etc.

Making the most of your marriage prep course

A premarital counselling course isn’t just about downloading new knowledge. It requires you to really get involved and work on things with your partner. Some sessions may touch on difficult topics, but it is worth it to persevere as they are important discussions for the health of your relationship.

To make the most of your pre-marriage course, here are some things you could do:

• Reflect individually first. Take time to think through each topic before discussing it with your partner. This helps you bring your authentic thoughts to the table without being influenced by your partner’s answers.

• Be honest and open. Some conversations may feel uncomfortable, but remember - this is a safe space facilitated by a professional who can guide you through difficult emotions.

• Keep the conversation going. The course is just the beginning. Continue having open, regular check-ins with your partner to revisit and adapt your shared plans as your relationship evolves.

  
  

Conclusion

It’s heartening to see more couples viewing pre-marriage courses not as a formality, but as an investment in their future together. Whether you’re hoping to strengthen your communication, align your values, or address deeper emotional patterns, marriage preparation can equip you with the tools to face the road ahead with unity and mutual understanding.

At Being Counselling and Wellness, we offer Christian marriage preparation courses led by certified counsellors in Singapore, blending practical relationship skills with faith-based guidance. If you’re engaged and ready to lay a strong foundation for your marriage, we’d love to walk this journey with you.