Premarital Counseling
Premarital Counseling
We all have expectations of what marriage looks like, usually based on what we observed growing up in our own families. These expectations are often unspoken, meaning that we may assume our partner shares our values and expectations and we may become disappointed when we realize they have their own set of expectations. It could be as simple as washing the dishes and drying them to the left or right of the sink – neither is wrong, it is just what we have learned, and sometimes the expectations can be much more complex such as how each of you handles finances. Some of the most frequent challenges new couples face are finances, sex, chores, child-raising, and communication. Having a safe space to discuss these challenges early on can contribute to a strong foundation in your marriage.
How can therapy help?
Premarital counseling helps couples take the next step in their relationship and possibly resolve issues before they arise as well as setting relationship goals before committing to marriage. Premarital counseling can guide you in these challenging conversations as you uncover some of these expectations you have for one another and maybe some of those “blind spots” in the relationship. Premarital counseling can also help you in identifying those areas where you are compatible and how you successfully work together in the relationship and celebrating those areas as you nurture them. At MEND, we have counselors who are SYMBIS certified and Prepare/Enrich certified.
What Is the SYMBIS Assessment?
SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) is a research-based relationship assessment designed to help couples better understand themselves, each other, and the dynamics of their relationship. Whether you’re dating, engaged, newly married, or simply wanting to strengthen your connection, SYMBIS provides practical insight into the areas that matter most for long-term relationship health.
The assessment explores topics such as communication styles, conflict patterns, personality traits, emotional needs, finances, expectations, and family backgrounds. SYMBIS highlights strengths to build on and growth areas to address—giving you a clearer picture of how you function together.
How Can SYMBIS Help You?
SYMBIS helps turn important but often unspoken topics into meaningful conversations. With the guidance of a trained facilitator, your results become a roadmap for deeper understanding, healthier communication, and intentional growth. Couples often find that SYMBIS helps them:
Gain insight into themselves and their partner
Improve communication and conflict resolution
Address potential challenges before they become problems
Build empathy, trust, and emotional connection
Feel more confident and prepared for the future
SYMBIS isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about strengthening what you already have and equipping you with tools to navigate your relationship with clarity, grace, and purpose.
The SYMBIS assessment typically takes 6-8 sessions with your facilitator but can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Prepare/Enrich Description:
Prepare/Enrich is a research-backed premarital counseling program designed to help couples gain a deeper understanding of one another, strengthen their connection, and build a solid foundation for marriage. Used by therapists worldwide, this evidence-based couples assessment supports increased relationship satisfaction and long-term resilience.
Before your initial intake session, couples complete a comprehensive online assessment that provides personalized insights across key relationship areas, including:
Marital expectations
Relationship roles
Financial management
Sex and affection
Stress and coping styles
Couple and family-of-origin patterns
SCOPE personality dynamics
Children and parenting
Spiritual beliefs and values
How Can Prepare/Enrich Help You?
The results highlight both relationship strengths and growth areas, allowing for intentional, in-depth conversations around alignment, differences, and emotional connection. Guided by your therapist, Prepare/Enrich sessions incorporate thoughtfully designed exercises that build essential skills in communication, conflict resolution, and emotional attunement—tools couples can rely on throughout every season of life.
The Prepare/Enrich program typically includes eight structured sessions, though the pace and focus can be tailored to meet your unique needs as a couple.
