Should couples undergo counseling before marriage?

Jet, March 11, 1996

Rev. Jones told JET he firmly believes couples should pursue counseling before marriage because he considers this institution to be the second most important decision a person can make in life. He says acceptance of Christ is the first.

"Counseling brings out things before marriage. It helps raise issues and brings things to the forefront so that they can be analyzed to see what kind of ramifications they can have within the marriage and home," said Rev. Jones.

The pastor also said premarital counseling can also help build a spiritual foundation that will be based on trust and honesty when things are made aware of before marriage instead of waiting until afterward.

"If you need counseling to get out of a marriage you definitely need it to get in," said Atty. Phyllis J. Outlaw who practices family law in Washington, D.C., and in Maryland.

Outlaw told JET many people only seek counseling when they are considering a divorce, but, they are not quite ready for one. She says premarital counseling will help identify the all-important, underlying issue of why a couple feels compelled to marry.

"Most people get married because they are in need and not in love. Therapy will help you identify what the issues are. Too often people get married for the wrong reasons," said Outlaw.