Premarital & Early Love Couples Counseling
Purpose of Premarital or Early Love Relationship Counseling
The primary purpose of Premarital Counseling or Early Love Relationship Counseling is to provide a structured, neutral space for a couple to explore and negotiate every facet of their future life together before their commitment is finalized. It moves the relationship beyond the emotional high of engagement and into the practical, often challenging realities of long-term cohabitation and partnership. Counseling isn't about solving current crises; it's about proactively identifying potential future problems and equipping the couple with the skills to address them.
This type of counseling offers several core benefits that significantly increase a couple's chances for long-term satisfaction and stability:
Deepened Understanding: It ensures both partners are on the same page regarding fundamental issues like finances, career goals, parenting styles, religion, and sexual expectations.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Couples learn how to fight fairly, communicate during periods of high stress, and resolve disagreements without resorting to criticism or contempt.
Family of Origin Awareness: It helps each partner recognize the subconscious patterns, expectations, and communication styles they learned from their own family backgrounds that they might unconsciously bring into their marriage or relationship.
Financial Alignment: Counseling forces a frank discussion about income, debt, spending habits, savings goals, and who will manage the household budget.
Even couples who feel they are a "good fit" and have a strong relationship should engage in counseling for one crucial reason: preventative maintenance and skill-building.
Long before the pressures of long-term relationship committments or marriage or (e.g., merging finances, moving in together, buying a home) or parenthood (e.g., sleep deprivation, differing discipline philosophies) hit, premarital counseling establishes healthy relational habits and communication tools.
Practice Under Low Stress: It's easier to learn and practice conflict resolution when you aren't currently exhausted or financially stressed.
Identify Blind Spots: Couples often don't know what they don't know until a third-party professional asks the tough questions they've avoided or never considered.
It's an Investment: Just as you insure a home before disaster strikes, premarital counseling is an investment in the relationship's stability, creating a shared blueprint and a safety net that is invaluable when life inevitably presents major challenges.
What's the cost for Couples or Relationship Sessions?
Fees for Services and Insurances Accepted
Many insurances are accepted. A sliding scale fee is available for clients who meet specific income requirements. We will do our best to work with you, so that you are able to get the help you need regardless of your financial situation. If you are currently unemployed or are trying to get back on your feet after a major life event, please still contact us. If we are not able to provide you services that fit within your budget, we will go out of our way to make sure we assist you in finding the help you need!
Theoretical Approaches & Modes of Therapy Utilized:
