What is premarital therapy? Premarital therapy helps couples strengthen their relationship before marriage by improving communication, exploring expectations, addressing potential areas of conflict, and building skills for a healthy, lasting partnership. Do we need premarital counseling if our relationship is already strong? Yes. Many couples seek premarital therapy not because they are struggling, but because they want to be proactive. Premarital counseling provides an opportunity to discuss important topics, strengthen your connection, and prepare for future challenges before they arise. What topics are covered in premarital therapy? Common topics include communication, conflict resolution, finances, family relationships and boundaries, intimacy, household responsibilities, parenting expectations, values, goals, and long-term vision for your relationship. What is PREPARE/ENRICH? PREPARE/ENRICH is a research-based assessment designed to help couples identify relationship strengths and growth areas. The assessment provides personalized feedback that can guide meaningful conversations throughout the counseling process. How does the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment work? Each partner completes an online assessment individually. The results are then reviewed during counseling sessions, helping identify areas of strength as well as topics that may benefit from additional discussion and skill-building. How many premarital therapy sessions do we need? The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, relationship history, and the topics you'd like to explore. Many couples complete between 4 and 8 sessions, though some choose additional sessions for more in-depth support. When should we start premarital counseling? Ideally, couples begin premarital therapy several months before their wedding. Starting early allows time to thoughtfully explore important topics and practice new relationship skills without the added stress of last-minute wedding planning. What if we disagree about important issues? Disagreements are normal and expected in relationships. Premarital therapy provides a structured space to explore differences, improve understanding, and develop strategies for navigating challenges together. Is premarital therapy only for engaged couples? No. Premarital therapy can benefit engaged couples, couples considering engagement, newly engaged partners, and long-term couples who want to strengthen their foundation before marriage. How much does a PREPARE/ENRICH session cost? The cost of a 50-minute PREPARE/ENRICH session is $150. Do you offer online premarital therapy? Yes. Secure online premarital therapy is available for couples located anywhere in Texas, making it convenient to participate together even with busy schedules. Will premarital therapy tell us whether we should get married? The goal of premarital therapy is not to decide for you whether you should marry. Instead, the process helps you gain deeper understanding of your relationship, explore important topics openly, and make informed decisions about your future together. Can premarital therapy help us communicate better? Absolutely. One of the primary goals of premarital counseling is to help couples communicate more effectively, navigate conflict constructively, and strengthen emotional connection before marriage.