Premarital Counselling

Prepare for the marriage, not just the wedding...

Premarital counselling allows a couple to celebrate their strengths of the relationship, to explore areas of their relationship that would benefit from discussion, and to discover areas that have been previously unexplored.

The following are typical areas that are discussed:

Marriage Expectations Personality Issues Communication Conflict Resolution Financial Management Leisure Activities Sexual Relationship

Children and Parenting Family and Friends Roles in Relationship Spiritual Beliefs Couple Closeness Family Closeness Couple Flexibility Family Flexibility

The time spent on each topic will vary depending on the unique needs and desires of each couple.
 The “PREPARE” (Premarital Personal Relationship Evaluation) inventory is a 165-item questionnaire assessing relationship strength and growth areas in 15 categories. It is a standardized tool administered by Enrich Canada Inc.
 It can be completed on line or with traditional pencil and paper at the completion of the first session.

The second, third and fourth sessions will focus on the results of the PREPARE inventory as well as other issues as they arise.
 This is a valuable opportunity to focus on underdiscussed areas and remove “surprises” from the relationship after the marriage. Although premarital counselling can occur at any time before the wedding, recent studies suggest that it should be completed 6 months prior to the wedding if possible, allowing the relationship a chance to shift and adjust as a response to the discussion in the counselling.

There will also be one additional session to be scheduled at the couple's discretion, within the first six months of marriage. This is an opportunity to discuss any issues as they have arisen after the wedding.
 The premarital package has a charge of $375.00. This includes the cost of the 5 sessions as well as the fee for the PREPARE tool--a $450.00 value.

For couples who desire, with signed permission from the couple, the therapist will speak with the officiant of the wedding to answer questions the officiant may have in order to preside over the ceremony with confidence.

Alternatively, couples who are engaged and have a significant issue(s) they are dealing with, may prefer to attend regular sessions to specifically work in that area, without completing the “PREPARE" Tool.

Gift Certificates Now Available

If you are aware of an engaged couple and would like to encourage them in their desire to prepare for their married life together, you may wish to make it possible for them to attend premarital counselling. It can be a valuable way to help them get ready for the years ahead.

We suggest that you check with the couple prior to booking the package.  Please have the couple call us to book the initial appointment at a time that is convenient to both of them, and then pay for the package using the button below, or mail us a cheque prior to the first session.

Please know that it is important for the counselling sessions to be as useful for the couple as possible.  We believe that in order for the couple to make best use of the sessions, they need to be able to be candid with the therapist and speak freely.  One way we can facilitate this is to have the couple know that information from the sessions is not disclosed to anyone (with the possible exception of the officiant if requested and a signed release is obtained). The gifter will not receive any information from Bergen and Associates about the content of the sessions.

A printable gift certificate is coming soon.
If, for some reason, the couple does not attend the session, there will be a 20% handling charge for a refund.