Premarital
Counseling
in Phoenix
prepare for life together
This is not your grandmother’s premarital counseling. The purpose isn’t to get permission from a religious leader or fix a broken relationship before it’s too late. This premarital counseling is for people who have a solid relationship and want to start their life together with healthy communication. Yes, there’s talk about the usual stuff - like finances, parenting, and chores. But, you’ll also get a chance to talk about topics that don’t come up naturally - like what fidelity means in your relationship, your views on gender roles, and patterns in your relationship. It’s an awesome way to start a life together, and the effect may last long after your big day. I invite you to come as you are and be authentic. Every couple is unique, and all kinds of relationships are welcome here.
Do we need to be engaged to attend premarital counseling?
Nope. No ceremony required. Premarital counseling is for people who are planning a life together. Committed relationships can look very different. A couple planning a wedding? A polycule looking to define commitment? Two families joining together? Another kind of relationship? You’re welcome here.
But, we’re not like other couples.
No two couples are the same, and no one knows your relationship better than you. All kinds of relationships are welcome here. Sometimes people in non-traditional relationships face discrimination when seeking premarital counseling. Please know this is a safe place to be yourselves and talk openly.
Do you use a faith-based approach?
I do not use a faith-based approach to premarital counseling. People who are atheist, agnostic, spiritual, or religious are welcome here. Premarital counseling here includes a focus on what is important to you, which may include your spirituality or religion or it may not. I do not work from a specific faith orientation. If you are looking for a faith-based approach, it’s best to check with your spiritual community for recommendations.
What are the benefits of premarital counseling?
Premarital counseling is a time to discuss the strengths of your relationship and plan for handling difficult times. Communicating in a healthy way about your relationship and planning for the hard stuff can help you enjoy the good times and get through the bad times as a team.
Can’t we just talk about all this at home?
Premarital counseling is not necessary to plan for a life together. People commit to one another and have successful relationships all the time without premarital counseling. Busy people who are juggling lots of priorities sometimes don’t take the time to research and discuss common relationship challenges and strengths. Taking time for premarital counseling allows you to have a guided discussion with tips for healthy communication along the way.
What if we are having a lot of conflict in our relationship?
All relationships involve conflict, so that’s something we’ll talk about in premarital counseling. If you are especially concerned about the level of conflict or the ways you and your partner manage conflict, relationship and couples therapy may be more helpful for you. Couples therapy lets us focus on a particular aspect of your relationship in a little more depth.
How long is premarital counseling?
Sessions are 50 minutes long. Although the number of sessions varies by relationship, couples usually attend 4-6 sessions.
Weddings are expensive! (And so is life.) What will this cost?
The good news is the payoff on your investment will likely last beyond the day you commit to one another. The cost of premarital counseling is $220 per 50-minute session. Many couples put the cost of premarital counseling into a wedding or commitment budget.