Step into married life with confidence.
Marriage is a great adventure. Navigating a lifetime of joys and setbacks with the person you love is anything but "settling down." It's an invitation to evolve, grow, and stretch as a person in new ways as your relationship continues to do the same.
You've been walking side by side for some time now, already learning how to steady each other along life's path. But those first steps after you say "I do"--they are your most important steps yet.
Premarital counseling is the perfect way to ensure you walk across the threshold into marriage with the best possible foundation to create a lasting, healthy, fulfilling relationship. Our conversations will help you develop a deeper appreciation for one another and a more sustainable commitment to your love. We will also anticipate the most likely challenges you may encounter and prepare you with the knowledge and resources you need to overcome any stumbling blocks.
Here are a few reasons why I'm well-qualified to help you prepare for marriage::
You've been walking side by side for some time now, already learning how to steady each other along life's path. But those first steps after you say "I do"--they are your most important steps yet.
Premarital counseling is the perfect way to ensure you walk across the threshold into marriage with the best possible foundation to create a lasting, healthy, fulfilling relationship. Our conversations will help you develop a deeper appreciation for one another and a more sustainable commitment to your love. We will also anticipate the most likely challenges you may encounter and prepare you with the knowledge and resources you need to overcome any stumbling blocks.
Here are a few reasons why I'm well-qualified to help you prepare for marriage::
- I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who specializes in couples counseling and relationship issues.
- I'm also an ordained Protestant minister for those who require or desire a pastor.
- I've completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training (Level I and Level II), which includes extensive education in research findings regarding happy, healthy marriages.
- I have experience creating and officiating personalized ceremonies for dozens of couples, including Christian, secular, and interfaith weddings.
Sample counseling menu.
Here are descriptions of typical sessions that are often included in premarital counseling. I tailor our time together to fit the needs of your relationship,
Introductory Session: Relationship History and Package Planning
I'll invite you to tell me the story of your relationship, asking questions and offering observations throughout. We'll begin to identify the core positive qualities of your relationship as well as plan together what types of sessions are most likely to benefit you.
Gottman's Sound Relationship House Education and Assessment (1-2 Sessions)
I'll share with you an easy to learn summary of John Gottman's widely respected research on the factors that contribute to happy marriages. With each piece of the research I teach you, we'll explore how that relates to strengths and areas for improvement in your own relationship.
Family Tree (Genogram) Assessment and Analysis (1-2 Sessions)
We'll use a family therapy tool known as a "genogram" to help you both identify patterns and dynamics in your extended families. You will learn more about your partner's background as well as have conversation about which family legacies you do and do not want to carry forward into your own marriage.
Personality Assessment and Analysis (1 Session)
We will look at two different personality measures and use these as the basis for appreciating and negotiating differences between the two of you. I'll also share with you ways these measures anticipate likely conflict patterns and strategies you can use to avoid common pitfalls.
Introductory Session: Relationship History and Package Planning
I'll invite you to tell me the story of your relationship, asking questions and offering observations throughout. We'll begin to identify the core positive qualities of your relationship as well as plan together what types of sessions are most likely to benefit you.
Gottman's Sound Relationship House Education and Assessment (1-2 Sessions)
I'll share with you an easy to learn summary of John Gottman's widely respected research on the factors that contribute to happy marriages. With each piece of the research I teach you, we'll explore how that relates to strengths and areas for improvement in your own relationship.
Family Tree (Genogram) Assessment and Analysis (1-2 Sessions)
We'll use a family therapy tool known as a "genogram" to help you both identify patterns and dynamics in your extended families. You will learn more about your partner's background as well as have conversation about which family legacies you do and do not want to carry forward into your own marriage.
Personality Assessment and Analysis (1 Session)
We will look at two different personality measures and use these as the basis for appreciating and negotiating differences between the two of you. I'll also share with you ways these measures anticipate likely conflict patterns and strategies you can use to avoid common pitfalls.
Vow Writing (1 Session)
Drawing on our conversations together, I can help you write personalized vows that reflect the themes, values, and dreams that characterize your relationship at its best.
Specific Issue Focus (1 Session Each)
Here are some common topics you may decide to address:
Drawing on our conversations together, I can help you write personalized vows that reflect the themes, values, and dreams that characterize your relationship at its best.
Specific Issue Focus (1 Session Each)
Here are some common topics you may decide to address:
- Finances
- Blended Family or Extended Family Conflict
- Remarrying
- Religious and/or Cultural Differences
I am conveniently located in the heart of Broad Ripple near the intersection of 64th and College. You can easily turn your time in premarital counseling into a date night by hitting up one of the great establishments within walking distance from my office.
I welcome the opportunity to work with a wide variety of couples; I appreciate and value all couples in their uniqueness, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
I welcome the opportunity to work with a wide variety of couples; I appreciate and value all couples in their uniqueness, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
Let's Connect!
See my current availability and take your next step toward starting therapy with me by clicking the button below.
Got questions?
Here are answers to your frequently asked questions about premarital counseling.
How many sessions of premarital counseling do you recommend?
Most couples are able to meet their goals for premarital counseling within 4-6 sessions. Some couples find they have specific issues they would like to work on or find the process so beneficial they decide to keep meeting after they have met their initial goals; in these instances, more than 6 sessions may be preferred. I have no set requirement on a minimum number of sessions, it's up to you and your needs and preferences.
How much do sessions cost?
Each 50 minute session is $160.
How frequently should we meet?
Most couples choose to meet once per month, unless there are urgent or time-sensitive issues to work through.
How soon before our wedding to we need to start premarital counseling?
It's really up to you, there's no right or wrong time. Some couples prefer to start the process far in advance in order to focus on other wedding preparation commitments as the wedding itself nears. Others prefer to start closer to their wedding to more closely tie the process to the beginning of marriage. I also work with couples who start the process very close to the wedding and continue for a few sessions after the wedding itself.
Do you take insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance. Generally, premarital counseling is not considering medically necessary (unless one or both partners have a mental health diagnosis) and therefore may not be covered by your insurance. I am able to accept payments from Health Savings Accounts, which may help make our process more affordable for you.
Most couples are able to meet their goals for premarital counseling within 4-6 sessions. Some couples find they have specific issues they would like to work on or find the process so beneficial they decide to keep meeting after they have met their initial goals; in these instances, more than 6 sessions may be preferred. I have no set requirement on a minimum number of sessions, it's up to you and your needs and preferences.
How much do sessions cost?
Each 50 minute session is $160.
How frequently should we meet?
Most couples choose to meet once per month, unless there are urgent or time-sensitive issues to work through.
How soon before our wedding to we need to start premarital counseling?
It's really up to you, there's no right or wrong time. Some couples prefer to start the process far in advance in order to focus on other wedding preparation commitments as the wedding itself nears. Others prefer to start closer to their wedding to more closely tie the process to the beginning of marriage. I also work with couples who start the process very close to the wedding and continue for a few sessions after the wedding itself.
Do you take insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance. Generally, premarital counseling is not considering medically necessary (unless one or both partners have a mental health diagnosis) and therefore may not be covered by your insurance. I am able to accept payments from Health Savings Accounts, which may help make our process more affordable for you.
I serve clients throughout the greater Indianapolis area, including Broad Ripple, Nora, Downtown, Fountain Square, Castleton, Carmel, and Fishers.