Connect with other intentional couples,
while you strengthen your relationship!

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Taking this next step of commitment with your partner is an exciting adventure, and it opens up lots of opportunities to grow individually and together. We want to help you make the most of this time so you feel confident taking this journey together, having the skills and tools to have lifelong love.

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WHAT IS PREMARITAL COUNSELING?

Premarital counseling is a great way to strengthen any relationship. It provides a solid foundation for your future and is great for those who are engaged or thinking of engagement.

Premarital group counseling lasts 7.5 hours at a minimum. We focus on exploring topics in a safe space. Most sessions include activities that help you all reflect and discuss important themes.

Facilitating premarital groups is one of our favorite endeavors. That's because we love to support couples who want to build a strong foundation, and want to connect with other like-minded people. Groups are great if you're open to learning from other people and want to connect with couples in similar situations. When you're in a discussion with other couples, it's reassuring to hear that they have similar stressors and concerns, and learn strategies to help navigate it all.

Bottom line: Premarital groups are a fun way to make new friends who are in the same stage in life, while solidifying your relationship for years to come!

 

Topics Discussed?

• Deepening your relationship: Discover fun ways to build a solid foundation and create safe spaces to talk about difficult topics or when you feel hurt by your partner.

• Family and healthy boundaries: What role do in-laws play in your life?

• Traditions: What traditions do you want to create or continue?  

• Communication and conflict resolution:  How to navigate and resolve difficulties that will arise in your relationship.

• Finances: How do each of you view money? What system works for you?

• Children: How will you transition into becoming parents? What does family life look like for each of you?

• Future plans and retirement: What are your dreams for the future? How will your life look as you age?

• Intimacy: Sexual health and Sustainability

• Religion: Personal beliefs 

• Personality & Stress profile:  How does your personality and level of stress impact the relationship?  Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that could arise in your relationship.  

• Cultural Differences: In what ways did your upbringing impact you?  Explore areas that come up during marriage for cross cultural relationships.

• Mental and Emotional Labor: Learn what mental and emotional labor is and how to intentionally share it in a way that works for your relationship.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

MY PARTNER DOESN'T WANT TO DO THIS, WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

This is a common experience, so you are not alone.  Please feel free to reach out to us directly for more information and articles on ways to present premarital counseling to your partner.  Sometimes people are afraid that if they go to counseling it means that there is something 'wrong' with their relationship.  However, research shows that premarital counseling is beneficial for all couples, including very satisfied ones.  

 

ARE THE GROUP SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

Every participant signs an agreement to keep sessions confidential.  The importance of confidentiality is addressed in the initial session to ensure couples are on the same page with respecting each other’s privacy. However, groups cannot guarantee confidentiality due to multiple members in the group.  Sharing inside the group is encouraged and each individual is in control of what they feel comfortable sharing.  

 

WHAT IF I KNOW SOMEONE IN THE GROUP?

What a coincidence that would be!  Knowing another couple in the group can be a way to strengthen your friendship and support each other's relationship by gaining the same knowledge and skills.  If you have any concerns, please inform The Collins immediately.  

 

I'M IN A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP, WHY WOULD I DO PREMARITAL COUNSELING?

We love this question!  Premarital counseling enhances your relationship and provides useful tools to help you intentionally navigate difficult times in a marriage.  All marriages will go through stress, so why not be prepared?  Losing a parent, changing jobs, moving, or starting a family can create stress on a relationship.  Intentionally taking time to learn how to communicate about future stressors can go a long way in preventing conflict and disconnection in a relationship.  If your foundation is solid, let's keep that going with even more tools and connection.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF WE WOULD BENEFIT MORE FROM A SMALL GROUP OR PRIVATE COUNSELING?

If you are a couple that is experiencing a lot of stress or a unique problem that will take several sessions to work through, generally private couples counseling is a better option.  Having a few private couples counseling sessions to work through a specific concern and then joining the group to intentionally cover premarital topics, can be very impactful. 

 

WHAT IS GROUP LIKE? WILL I BE FORCED TO TALK?

There are some group discussions, couple work, individual reflection, and group & couple activities that make each session interesting and fun.  Participation is voluntary.  Typically we will give time to reflect on something as a couple or individual before opening up for participation.  

 

DO WE HAVE TO ATTEND ALL THE SESSIONS?

To get the most out of this program, you need to attend all the sessions.  We understand that conflicts arise or "life happens."  Any known conflicts should be discussed immediately. A lot of couples do a blend of group and private sessions as well. 

 

WHEN DO I PAY FOR THE GROUP COUNSELING SESSIONS?

After you sign the group agreements, a full payment of $1299 or your first installment of $449 is due.  

 

WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

Because the groups are so small, payment is non-refundable. However, the deposit can be applied to a private counseling session or transferred to another group deposit with 14 days notice before group begins.  

 

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?  

Complete the contact form below and we will contact you to schedule a consultation to see if premarital group counseling will be a good fit for your relationship.