Why Premarital Counseling Isn't Just for Struggling Couples
You're planning a wedding, excited about your future, and genuinely happy in your relationship. So why would you need premarital counseling?
Little secret: The best time to invest in your relationship is when things are good—not when they're falling apart.
Premarital counseling isn't a red flag that something's wrong. It's a green light that you're committed to building the strongest possible foundation for your marriage. And you want to make sure you’re moving forward on the right foot.
What Is Premarital Counseling?
Premarital counseling (also called pre-marriage counseling or couples therapy before marriage) is a specialized form of relationship therapy designed for engaged couples or partners considering a major commitment. Unlike traditional couples therapy that addresses existing problems, premarital counseling focuses on preparation, prevention, and strengthening your partnership before you say "I do” or make a different type of big commitment in your relationship.
During premarital counseling sessions, couples explore important topics like communication styles, conflict resolution, financial planning, family dynamics, intimacy, and shared values—all the things that matter most in a lasting relationship. And if you aren’t religious, working with a therapist on these things rather than a religious leader will better align with your values and beliefs.
The Wedding Industry vs. Your Marriage
Think about it: Most couples spend months — maybe even years — planning their wedding day. You research venues, taste cake samples, and agonize over centerpieces. The average wedding in Georgia costs over $30,000.
But how much time are you investing in the actual marriage?
Your wedding lasts one day. Your marriage is meant to last a lifetime.
Premarital counseling is like a relationship tune-up before a long road trip. You wouldn't drive cross-country without checking your oil, tires, and brakes—even if your car runs great. The same principle applies to your relationship.
5 Reasons Happy Couples Choose Premarital Counseling
1. Learn Communication Tools That Actually Work
You might communicate well now, but what about when you're stressed, exhausted, or disagree about something important? Premarital therapy teaches you proven communication strategies that work even during difficult conversations.
You'll learn how to:
Express needs without blame or criticism
Listen to understand, not just to respond
Navigate disagreements without damaging your connection
Recognize your communication patterns and triggers
2. Align Your Vision for the Future
Do you both want kids? How many? When? Where do you want to live in five years? What does "success" mean to each of you? How do you handle relationships with in-laws?
Pre-marriage counseling creates space to discuss these crucial questions before they become sources of conflict. Many couples assume they're on the same page about major life decisions—until they're not.
3. Develop Conflict Resolution Skills
Every couple argues. The difference between thriving marriages and struggling ones isn't whether you fight—it's how you fight.
Premarital counseling helps you:
Identify your conflict styles
Break unhealthy patterns before they become habits
Repair after disagreements effectively
Fight fair and stay connected even when you disagree
Research shows that couples who learn healthy conflict resolution skills early experience greater relationship satisfaction and lower divorce rates.
4. Understand Each Other's Backgrounds
Your family of origin shapes everything—from how you handle money to how you express love to what you expect from a partner. Premarital therapy helps you understand how your backgrounds influence your relationship and navigate differences with compassion.
You'll explore:
Family traditions and expectations
Childhood experiences that shape your adult relationships
Attachment styles and emotional needs
Cultural and religious differences
5. Build a Strong Foundation for Life's Challenges
Life will test your relationship. Career changes, health issues, financial stress, parenting challenges—these are inevitable. Premarital counseling doesn't prevent hard times, but it equips you with tools to face them together as a team.
Think of it as relationship insurance. You hope you never need it, but you'll be grateful you have it when life gets hard.
What to Expect in Premarital Counseling Sessions
At Rosebud Psychotherapy, premarital counseling is structured, goal-oriented, and practical. Here's what a typical experience looks like:
Session Structure:
Individual and joint assessments to understand your relationship dynamics
6-8 sessions focused on key topics (customizable to your needs)
Evidence-based tools and exercises
Homework assignments to practice skills between sessions
A safe, non-judgmental space to explore any concerns
Topics Covered:
Communication and listening skills
Conflict resolution strategies
Financial planning and money values
Intimacy and sexual expectations
Family dynamics and boundaries
Roles and responsibilities
Shared goals and individual dreams
Managing stress and supporting each other
Premarital Counseling with Self-Pay: Is It Worth the Investment?
At Rosebud Psychotherapy, we offer self-pay premarital counseling without insurance involvement. Most insurances don’t cover couples therapy; they only cover family support sessions with one person as the identified client. While private pay couples counseling requires an upfront investment, many couples find tremendous value in:
Privacy and confidentiality: No insurance documentation or diagnoses required. No one is the identified patient.
Flexibility: Schedule sessions that work for your timeline.
Specialized care: Work with a therapist experienced in relationship dynamics.
No limitations: Insurance often restricts the number of sessions for premarital work. With self-pay, you and your therapist choose what’s best for you.
Consider this: If premarital counseling prevents even one major conflict or helps you navigate one challenging season more effectively, it's already paid for itself many times over.
Who Should Consider Premarital Counseling?
Premarital therapy is beneficial for:
Engaged couples planning their wedding
Long-term partners considering marriage
Couples moving in together
Partners making other major commitments (buying a house, starting a business, blending families)
Anyone who wants to strengthen their relationship proactively
You're a great fit for premarital counseling if:
You're already in a healthy relationship and want to make it even stronger
You want to address potential challenges before they become problems
You're committed to building a marriage that lasts
You value prevention over crisis management
You're willing to invest time and energy in your partnership
Common Myths About Premarital Counseling
Myth #1: "We don't have any problems, so we don't need counseling."
Reality: Premarital counseling isn't about fixing problems—it's about preventing them and building skills for the future.
Myth #2: "Counseling is only for couples on the verge of breaking up."
Reality: The most successful couples are proactive, not reactive. They seek support before issues escalate.
Myth #3: "We've been together for years. We already know everything about each other."
Reality: Marriage brings new dynamics, expectations, and challenges. There's always more to learn about your partner.
Myth #4: "Therapy means something is wrong with our relationship."
Reality: Seeking premarital counseling is actually a sign of relationship strength and maturity. Most couples wait until it’s years too late to actually try therapy—when betrayal, resentment, and contempt have built up and eaten away at the love they started with.
Take the Next Step: Premarital Counseling in Marietta, GA
Ready to invest in your relationship? Rosebud Psychotherapy offers premarital counseling for couples in Marietta, Georgia, and throughout the state via secure virtual sessions.
Whether you're newly engaged or have been together for years, it's never too early (or too late) to strengthen your partnership.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to learn more about how premarital counseling can help you build the marriage you've always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premarital Counseling
How long does premarital counseling take? Most couples complete premarital counseling in 6-8 sessions, though this can be customized based on your needs and timeline.
When should we start premarital counseling? Ideally, begin premarital counseling 6-12 months before your wedding. However, it's beneficial at any stage—even if your wedding is next month or you've been married a short time.
Is premarital counseling covered by insurance? Most insurance does not cover couples counseling. While insurance typically doesn't cover premarital counseling anyway (since it's preventive rather than treating a diagnosed condition), self-pay offers greater privacy and flexibility.
Do we both have to attend every session? Yes, premarital counseling requires both partners' participation and commitment to be effective.
What if we discover major issues during counseling? That's actually one of the benefits—better to discover and address concerns before marriage than after. Your therapist will help you work through issues or determine if additional support is needed.
Can we do premarital counseling virtually? Yes! Rosebud Psychotherapy offers both in-person sessions in Marietta and secure virtual sessions for couples throughout Georgia.
About Rosebud Psychotherapy
Rosebud Psychotherapy, located in Marietta, Georgia, specializes in helping individuals and couples build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Licensed therapist Maggie Malone offers secular premarital counseling, individual therapy, and group therapy services for adults. Learn more about our services or schedule a consultation today.