Pre-marital counselling mooted for couples

Hyderabad: Setting aside a day or two to discuss marriage, responsibilities and state of affairs at families could take the nuptial bond between the couple to new heights. Which is why leading psychologists in the city are pushing for pre-marital counselling for unmarried couples.

Majority of the marriages are collapsing because certain information was not disclosed before the union and both the husband and wife feel cheated because of this. Subsequently, mistrust creeps in.

Physical intimacy also could be a bone of contention. The couple may not reveal their preferences for sex. Premarital counselling can give an avenue for the couples to discuss this with professionals and sort out the problems. In fact, many people get married just to keep their parents happy.

Many a times a young couple would not know the importance they must give to their spouse’s parents. A young bride may have to take the permission to visit her own parents. Due to this, her interest in the family life may dwarf and the marriage would fall apart.

“We are pushing the government to introduce pre- marriage counselling where both the spouses submit physical and psychological fitness certificates and undergo a short training,” said Dr C Veerender, psychologist with You and Me.

The police are also backing this initiative as they are feeling the pressure of collapsing families.

“We had seen couples fighting on petty issues. We must understand that the bride and the groom may not know anything about the marriage. So the chances of misunderstanding creeping in are high,” said ACP Bujang Rao with the Kukatpally Division who has initiated pre-marriage counselling centres in the Cyberabad area.

But some are sceptical about its practical use. “There is no guarantee that pre-marriage counselling can make marriages smooth. Will the counselling curb a person’s likeness for cruelty?” asked a person, who has been a victim of divorce.