For any major decision in life, we usually take time to prepare for it. Whether it be a test, an interview, a game, a performance, you name it. For a commitment as big as marriage, it makes sense that we should prepare for something as big as that too! That’s where premarital counseling comes in. Premarital counseling provides the opportunity to ensure you and your future spouse are united on key topics you will encounter in marriage. If you are not, it’s a chance to be equipped with the tools to learn how to communicate with one another in a healthy and constructive manner before you say, “I do.”

My husband and I did premarital counseling, and continuously vouch that premarital counseling is what saved our marriage before it even started. We had always been great communicators in our dating relationship, but premarital counseling opened the door to conversations we never knew we needed to have. The topics we addressed allowed us to get in front of situations that could have turned into HUGE areas of conflict had we not prepared ahead of time. We also really enjoyed the “homework” each week, as it got us in the habit of sitting down and having meaningful conversations with one another (kind of like the deep conversations you have when you first start dating)! Finally, the strategies we learned has continued to help us to address new issues as a team, working towards a common goal: strengthening our relationship. The curriculum we went through is the same one I teach in my premarital counseling sessions- To Have and To Hold, by Byron and Carla Weathersbee. 

This 8 session, faith based, premarital course is designed to get you and your fiancé talking, and working together, to live out Christ’s goal for marriage. In these 8 sessions, you will learn biblical principles that will help you and your future spouse create a foundation to a full and happy marriage. Each session will shift focus to different key topics in maintaining a fruitful marriage:

• The Purpose of Marriage 
• Roles and Responsibilities 
• Financial Responsibilities 
• Emotional Intimacy 
• Spiritual Intimacy
• Physical Intimacy
• Communication and Conflict Management 
• In-laws and Future Intentions

Completing this faith-based course in a private practice setting with a licensed counselor offers a unique experience where your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are explored, while also focusing on God’s plan for you and your future marriage. You will be able to prioritize your mental well-being, while keeping your faith in the conversation. Even if you have struggled with your faith in the past, this course can be a wonderful step to ensure your future marriage is rooted in a firm foundation. 

I have a passion for mentoring and helping couples in taking this next step into marriage. I believe that marriage is a beautiful and wonderful creation of God, full of the potential for joy and love. If you’re ready to lay a strong foundation for your marriage, let’s get you scheduled!