First off...congratulations! You’re in love, you're committing to each other, and you’re ready to let the world know. That’s a big deal. And while you’re planning celebrations, booking venues, or dreaming about the future, there’s something else worth planning too: premarital counseling.
That might sound counterintuitive at first. “We’re doing great—why would we go to therapy now?” But that’s exactly the point. This is the ideal time to build skills and talk through the kind of topics that help you stay connected through life’s ups and downs.
Why Start Therapy Before There’s a Problem?
Many couples wait until something feels broken before reaching out for support. In fact, research shows that most couples enter therapy about six years after the problems first started. That’s a long time to go without tools or support. Premarital counseling isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about preventing them in the first place.
Think of it like this: if we all took classes in emotional communication, conflict repair, and navigating long-term intimacy, we’d probably avoid a lot of heartache. Premarital therapy gives you a chance to have those conversations with the support of a trained therapist who knows how to help couples thrive—not just survive.
What Does Premarital Counseling Actually Look Like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Your sessions are shaped by your relationship, your goals, and what you hope to walk away with. That said, here are some common themes couples explore in couples therapy before tying the knot:
- How to communicate in ways that actually get you heard
- Staying emotionally connected—even when life gets chaotic
- Working through differences around sex and intimacy
- Handling money as a team
- Talking about kids, parenting, or family values
- Recognizing early signs of resentment (and how to prevent it)
- Exploring fear or hesitation around commitment
Many couples complete around six sessions, while others find the work so valuable that they keep going. The tools you’ll learn—around conflict resolution, shared meaning, and emotional repair—are useful now and even more essential in the years ahead.
Why Start So Early?
Because the earlier you start, the easier it is to create healthy patterns that actually last. It’s much simpler to lay a strong foundation now than to try to repair deep cracks later. And honestly? Taking this step together sends a powerful message: “We care enough about this relationship to invest in it before things get hard.”
If you’re wondering whether therapy really makes a difference, we invite you to explore what preventive counseling can offer. It’s not just for couples in crisis—it’s for couples who want to go the distance with clarity, strength, and shared purpose.
Start Premarital Counseling in Seattle or Online
We offer premarital and pre-commitment therapy both in person at our South Lake Union office and online for couples throughout Washington. Reach out today to get started with one of our experienced relationship therapists—we’d be honored to support you in starting this next chapter well.