After California's Supreme Court Decision on Gay Marriage, therapist and related mental health professionals are advising lesbian and gay couples to include premarital therapy in their wedding plans. On such professional is San Francisco therapist Michael Halyard.

"Premarital counseling helps couples slow down and be conscious about their decision-- helping them to determine what marriage will mean for their relationships," Michael says.

Further advantages of couples counselling include improved communication, deepened intimacy, and improved patterns of relating. "Relationship skills are learned, and often we are pre-programmed by our family of origin how to relate, without consciously making conscious choices about our behavior," explains Halyard.

It can be said that lesbians and gay men are often known for rushing into commitments. Getting married for political reasons can be a valid reason, but is not exactly a complete recipe for longevity. It's important to know yourself, know your partner, and be realistic about how serious marriage is. Don't forget that marriage is a huge commitment--it's a whole lot easier to get into then get out of (for those of us who can legally marry!).  

"Of the couples that plan on getting married, some have been together for many years or even decades and already know what they're getting into. But for others, they may not have been together that long, and may not truly know each other. For them, premarital counseling is essential. It is an investment to protect the relationship," says Halyard. "Counseling is also helpful for couples contemplating other changes in their relationships, like having children."

"Lesbians and gay men are famous for rushing into commitments. Getting married for political reasons--although laudable--is not a recipe for longevity. It's important to know yourself, know your partner, and be realistic about how serious marriage is. Don't forget that marriage is a huge commitment--it's a whole lot easier to get into then get out of," cautions Halyard.

Some same-sex couples, as with heterosexual couples, are expected to spend lavishly on their weddings but Halyard warns not to ignore the relationship itself.

"If couples designate just a fraction of their wedding budget on premarital counseling, it could go a long way to ensure them living 'happily ever after.' 'Happily ever after' means partners taking an active role in healing their spouses, rather than re-injuring them in unconscious patterns," explains Halyard.

Although the recently expanded rights under the domestic partnership laws have gotten closer to marriage, Halyard says allowing same-sex marriage changes everything for lesbians and gay men.

"At least in California, we are finally equal in all areas of the law and that cannot be understated. I believe this will have a healing effect on gay and lesbian people who have felt marginalized by society all their lives," predicts Halyard.

"I'm just happy I finally have a credential that I'm proud of. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, and as an intern before, I felt insulted that the name of my license discriminated against my community. Now I'm looking forward to doing marriage therapy with lesbian and gay couples," adds Halyard.

About Michael Haylard:

Michel Halyard, MFT is the former Vice-President of Gaylesta, the Bay Area Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) therapist organization, and specializes in LGBT mental health issues in his private practice. He also runs the website SF Therapy.com.

Tags: gay, gay marriage, lesbian