Before those contemplating marriage buy the wedding rings or order the cake, they are encouraged to explore their strengths and differences in a safe, supportive and constructive environment.
The Pfeiffer University Marriage and Family Therapy Institute (the Pfeiffer Institute) in Charlotte will offer premarital counseling sessions from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays from Oct. 5ńNov. 9.
The sessions, which will include an online assessment, will help couples to best prepare and enrich their union through a series of discussions focused on effectively resolving conflict, strengthening communication skills, exploring why family origin issues are important, managing stress, financial planning and budgeting, establishing personal and family goals, understanding and appreciating personality differences and more.
Dr. Faith Drew, clinic director for the Pfeiffer Institute, said there are no prerequisites for the session, only a willingness from couples to thoughtfully participate.
“It is my experience that some relationships are unsuccessful because couples are unaware of their differences and lack the skills necessary to constructively resolve those challenges,” Drew said.
Last fall, the university opened the Pfeiffer Institute, a counseling clinic and community resource that provides support for individuals who need one-on-one confidential counseling or for couples, families and/or groups who may be seeking relationship tune-ups and marriage and family restoration. Help is available at a nominal fee of $25 per session, or on a sliding scale for the underserved.
The cost to register for the entire six-week premarital workshop is $80 per couple, and includes an online assessment. The institute is next to the university’s Charlotte campus at 4805 Park Road, Suite 250 (next door to McAlister’s Deli), and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To register for the workshop or for more information about the Pfeiffer Institute, call 704-945-7324 or visit www.pimft.com.