When it comes to counseling and therapy of any kind, many people carry around a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings. The same is true for marriage counseling -- people either know very little about marriage counseling, or the information they do have is inaccurate. Learn some of the important facts you should know about marriage counseling; then, you can best decide if marriage counseling is a good option for you and your partner. 

Marriage Counseling Is for More than Troubled Marriages

Many people assume that marriage counseling is a last ditch effort to consider only when a marriage is on the brink of self-destruction. However, troubled marriages are not the only marriages that can benefit from counseling. All marriages can benefit from counseling. 

The idea behind marriage counseling is to improve and strengthen relationships, no matter where those relationships stand. A couple that is happy and communicates pretty well can still improve upon their skills and make their relationship even stronger. Alternatively, a marriage that is on the rocks with constant fighting and problems can benefit from some of the skill-building done in counseling. 

Marriage Counseling Can Occur Before the Wedding Day

When it comes to marriage counseling, most people believe that they have to already be married to benefit from marriage counseling. However, partners that are planning to get married can also go to a form of marriage counseling. 

This is known as pre-marriage counseling and helps to prepare partners for the benefits and the challenges of marriage. Oftentimes, several topics are covered in pre-marriage counseling, including communication skills, finances and budgeting, and more. Couples can greatly benefit from working through potential issues in their marriage beforehand to avoid a lot of trouble and fighting once they say their wedding vows. 

Marriage Counseling Can Be Religion-Based

Marriage counseling is not just a purely psychological service -- it can also have a religious basis so that you can work through your marriage issues through the lens of your faith as well. Christian marriage counselors, for example, combine various counseling techniques with a faith-based approach. 

Bringing in your faith to counseling can be highly beneficial if your religious beliefs play a major role in your daily life. Taking lessons and ideas from religious texts and teachings will enhance the other exercises, skills, and lessons you learn. 

Knowing these important facts about marriage counseling, you can better determine whether or not marriage counseling is the best option to help you strengthen your current or future marriage.