Imagine entering into one of life's biggest commitments feeling like you're walking through fog - unsure if you and your partner are truly ready for the journey ahead. Like many couples, you share deep love and excitement about your future together, but there are lingering questions and unspoken concerns that create subtle tension. Maybe you dance around difficult conversations about finances, struggle to effectively resolve conflicts, or worry whether you're both on the same page about important life goals. While your relationship is filled with joy, these uncertainties can cast small shadows of doubt during what should be one of the most exciting times of your lives.

At Anchor Point of Hope Counseling Services, we understand that seeking counseling can be a big step. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or preparing for marriage, recognizing the symptoms and understanding how counseling can help is essential in your journey toward healing and growth.

Every relationship has its unique dynamics, and premarital counseling can help partners build a strong foundation for their future. Here are some common reasons couples seek professional support before marriage:

• Communication Challenges: Difficulty expressing needs, active listening issues, or frequent misunderstandings.
• Conflict Resolution: Struggles in managing disagreements, avoiding tough conversations, or unhealthy conflict patterns.
• Financial Discussions: Differing views on spending, saving, or financial planning as a couple.
• Family and In-Law Relationships: Navigating expectations and establishing healthy boundaries with extended family.
• Intimacy and Emotional Connection: Concerns about affection, emotional bonding, and maintaining closeness.
• Future Goals and Expectations: Differences in career aspirations, lifestyle choices, or parenting expectations.
• Other Relationship Concerns: Addressing trust issues, previous relationship experiences, or any unresolved concerns before marriage.

If any of these concerns resonate with you, premarital counseling can provide a supportive space to explore your relationship dynamics and develop skills for a healthy marriage.

Counseling is a personalized process, and treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs as a couple. Here’s what you can expect when you begin premarital counseling:

• Initial Assessment: Your therapist will take time to understand your relationship history, strengths, and areas of growth.
• Personalized Counseling Plan: A structured approach to strengthen your relationship using evidence-based techniques.
• Communication and Conflict Resolution Strategies: Guidance to improve communication, express emotions effectively, and resolve conflicts in a healthy way.
• Financial and Life Planning Discussions: Support in aligning financial goals and making informed decisions about your future together.
• Emotional and Physical Intimacy Coaching: Strategies to enhance emotional connection and navigate expectations around intimacy.
• Family Dynamics and Boundaries: Addressing challenges with in-laws, traditions, and external influences on your relationship.
• Ongoing Support and Progress Monitoring: Your therapist will provide feedback and tools to continue strengthening your relationship beyond counseling.

A Stronger Forever

Imagine your life together—where love feels effortless, conversations flow with understanding, and challenges only deepen your bond. With trust, respect, and shared vision, you navigate life hand in hand, growing closer every day.

Premarital counseling provides an opportunity to build a strong, lasting partnership based on trust, communication, and shared goals. If you and your partner are preparing for marriage, Anchor Point of Hope Counseling Services is here to guide you through this important step with care and professional support.

Prepare/Enrich:

Scientifically Proven to Improve Your Relationship

Prepare/Enrich is a scientifically researched, evidence-based counseling program that utilizes both an online assessment and multiple in-person sessions to help couples build understanding and learn the tools they need to have a healthy, strong marriage. Over 4 million couples have completed the program since 1980. It is one the most researched assessment tools available for couples and the scales are routinely used by colleges and universities to evaluate their own research. More than just talk therapy, Prepare/Enrich is designed to prime you for conversations and skill building to establish and strengthen your relationship foundation. Prepare/Enrich is so effective that the simple act of taking the assessment is scientifically proven to improve your relationship satisfaction!

Common Questions

How long does Premarital counseling last? Premarital counseling is typically 4-5 weekly sessions each lasting 1 hour and an online assessment you will complete after the first session.

Where do the sessions take place? We can meet at my Brighton workspace, your church, or home.

What does premarital counseling cost? The online assessment costs $45 per couple and each 50 minute session is $195.00. If you pay in advance, 3 counseling sessions are $400 and 6 sessions costs $750 . After taking your online assessment, you will receive an explanation and copy of the couples report along with an electronic version of the workbook. 

Can you work with our church & officiant? With your permission, we can share information as necessary to satisfy their pre-marital counseling requirements.