Pre-Marital Counseling and Coaching are excellent ways to secure a foundation for a lasting, healthy relationship. Additionally, couples who complete a minimum of four sessions of pre-marital counseling in the state of Tennessee may receive a discount on the marriage license fee.
Typical issues which may be addressed in pre-ceremony coaching or counseling are: creating cooperative communication/ conflict management; clarifying values/expectations; finding middle ground on financial viewpoints; and handling extended family, etc. In the first session, the couple and I determine what skills and concerns are to be covered in the next meetings. Depending on history, skills, and issues of concern, we decide together whether coaching or counseling would be best for the couple. Coaching is the more structured modality, usually with very specific goals and assignments between sessions. Counseling usually allows for more latitude if there are more extensive or more tender issues to explore. Many couples leave with an “action” plan for the future. Some couples do the required four sessions and receive a notarized certificate to present to the Court. Other couples opt to do more sessions. My doors are always open for couples to check in for an occasional session after the ceremony to assist them in staying on track or in solving new challenges.