Premarital Counselling

Prepare for the marriage, not just the wedding..

Prepare for the life, not just that special day...

Studies show that premarital counselling reduces the risk of divorce by 30%, and improves marital satisfaction.

A small investment for a large payoff.

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 can be 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 when taken during the day weekdays. 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.

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