Pre-marital counseling, like any couples counseling, is usually facilitated by a skilled family therapist. The function of pre-marital counseling is two-fold:
To assist couples in developing skills to navigate their way through marriage successfully.
To identify (and if possible resolve) areas of difference between couples that may become a source of conflict later.
To help them to express their feelings and attitudes
To help the couple to relieve their fear, worries and anxieties about marriage
To provide general and specific information, education and guidance about the problems and responsibilities of marriage
To encourage the couple to explore and communicate their individual needs, goals and values separately and preparing the couple to work together towards solution of their problems.