Discussion Thread: Premarital Assessment, Conceptualization, and Counseling

Choose from 1 of the following options:

• Option 1: Discuss how a Solution-Oriented approach, a Family Systems approach, and using the PREPARE/ENRICH approach are similar and different. Discuss what research exists on the effectiveness of each. Finally, discuss which one (or another one or a combination of some) you prefer and why.
• Option 2: Discuss your thoughts about the differences between working with: (1) a first-time premarital couple, (2) a premarital couple that is cohabitating, (3) a remarital couple where one has been married previously and has children, and (4) a remarital couple who have both been previously married and both have children. Share what you believe is the most important issue to address in each of the 4 different types of couples.
• Option 3: Discuss how you would make the determination that a premarital/remarital couple should delay their marriage and what factors would drive you to that conclusion. Share what cases, if any, would lend you to advocate that the couple not get married. If you are providing pastoral counseling through a church, discuss how you would handle such situations regarding performing ceremonies, use of the church, etc.
• Option 4: Consider the current American culture that is moving to require pastors to perform same-sex marriages. Discuss how you and your church would handle a same-sex couple that comes for premarital counseling and the pastor to perform their wedding. Be sure to consider a biblical worldview in your arguments. Finally, discuss what differences—if any—there might be between a premarital same-sex couple and a premarital heterosexual couple in relational dynamics and potential marital issues.