For couples who want to understand each other deeply and learn the skills that make the difference — before the vows.
Most couples who come to premarital counseling are happy, reasonably well-suited to each other, and looking forward to their future together. They arrive not because something is wrong but because they want to do this thoughtfully — to understand each other more deeply before they begin, and to build a foundation that will hold under the pressures of an actual life shared.
That instinct is correct. The research on what makes marriages succeed and fail is unambiguous: the skills that protect relationships — repair, genuine listening, the ability to stay emotionally present under pressure — are not natural. They are learned. And they are dramatically easier to learn before you are in crisis than after.
Premarital counseling with me is structured but not formulaic. We build a real map of your relationship: the dynamics that already work well, the areas of potential vulnerability, and the specific skills you will most benefit from developing. Topics typically include:
Most premarital work takes place over 6–10 sessions, though we calibrate to what you actually need. Some couples with more complex histories benefit from more; others are ready more quickly.
The best time for premarital counseling is several months before the wedding — far enough out that you have time to do real work, not so far out that the focus dissipates. If you are recently engaged and your wedding is more than a year away, it is not too early to begin having these conversations.