What Is Premarital Counseling? And Topics You Might Cover in Sessions.

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Between venue hunting and finalizing your guest list, there’s a lot on your plate right now. But amidst all the wedding planning, there’s one detail you might not have considered yet, and It’s arguably one of the most important – premarital counseling.

Counseling isn’t just for couples in crisis. Research shows that couples who participate in premarital counseling report higher relationship satisfaction and are 31% less likely to divorce than those who don’t.

So, what is it exactly, and how can it help you before you say “I do?” If you are an engaged couple in Washington State looking for online premarital therapy, this guide is for you! 

What is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling is a specific form of couples therapy that helps you and your partner build a strong foundation for marriage. It’s designed to enhance communication, strengthen conflict resolution skills, and give you a safe space to tackle big topics – things like finances, sex, family, and future goals – before they become sources of tension down the line. Historically, premarital counseling has been offered within religious organizations, often by leaders like Pastors and Rabbis. Today, premarital therapy is being offered outside of a religious context by providers like myself.

As a premarital counselor, my goal is to help couples develop tools they can take with them beyond the therapy room: skills for staying connected, working through disagreements constructively, and navigating life as true partners. Wedding planning can be both exciting and overwhelming, so having regular check-ins through therapy can be a useful way to manage stress and stay grounded together.

What Topics Will We Cover?

Every couple is unique, but here are some of the key areas we typically explore during premarital counseling:

Shared and Individual Goals for the Future.

What do you want your life to look like five, ten, or twenty years from now? Whether it's buying a house, traveling the world, or advancing your careers, counseling gives you space to share your dreams – and see how they align (or don’t). It’s about understanding each other’s vision and 

figuring out how to support those goals as a team.

Communication & Conflict Resolution.

Let’s be real: all couples argue. Conflict doesn’t mean you’re incompatible – it means you’re human. What matters is how you fight and how you come back together after it’s all said and done.

In sessions, we’ll explore your current communication patterns and look for blind spots in how you relate to each other. Often, couples can’t fully see their dynamic because they're in it. That’s where I come in to offer insight, perspective, and practical tools for navigating disagreements in a more productive way.

Family of Origin & Core Values.

Starting a life together means blending two different family histories, traditions, and value systems. We’ll talk about the values each of you wants to bring into your new family unit – and which ones you might be ready to leave behind. By understanding where your beliefs and habits come from, you can make more conscious choices about how you want to move forward together.

Sex & Intimacy

This can feel like a loaded topic, and ones many couples avoid talking about. Whether you're navigating differences in desire or learning what intimacy looks like in your relationship, therapy offers a supportive space to have those vulnerable conversations. The goal is greater understanding, deeper connection, and less mystery around each partner’s needs and boundaries.

Money & Finances

Few topics spark tension like money – not because of the dollars themselves, but because of what they represent: security, independence, control, etc. We’ll unpack your beliefs around money, explore how your upbringing shaped your financial mindset, and work toward shared financial goals. It’s less about a savings plan and more about building trust and clarity.

Children & Parenting

Whether or not you want kids – and how you’d want to raise them – is a conversation worth having before you’re in the thick of it. If you do want children, we’ll talk about parenting philosophies, family planning timelines, and what these hopes mean to each of you. Even if you're not sure yet, it’s helpful to begin exploring those thoughts and uncovering where they come from.

Final Thoughts

Your relationship deserves just as much attention and care as your wedding day. Premarital counseling isn’t about fixing something broken – it’s about making something good even stronger. You’re investing in a lifelong partnership, and therapy can help you lay the groundwork for a marriage that’s not just fulfilling, but also resilient.

Why Choose Online Premarital Counseling in Washington State?

If you're a busy couple juggling work, wedding planning, and life, online counseling makes therapy accessible from the comfort of your home. As a LMFTA licensed in Washington, I offer virtual premarital sessions tailored to your relationship.

Benefits of Online, Private Pay Therapy:

• Flexible scheduling for busy couples.

• No insurance required (privacy + no diagnosis needed).

• Sessions focused on the adjustments of premarital and early marriage couples.

• Convenient access from anywhere in Washington State.

If you’re curious about how premarital counseling could support your relationship, I’d love to talk more. Reach out to me at kelseygraham@fenandfircounseling.com or request a consultation with me. After all, your love story is just getting started – let’s make sure the foundation is solid.

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Disclaimer: this post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not substitute or provide mental help.