Premarital Counseling

I do not require premarital counseling, but that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in it. I believe in the principles of being proactive in planning the most important part of the wedding…the marriage!

I am a pastoral counselor by experience and education, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, but I am not a licensed psychologist or therapeutic practitioner. As a pastor I can offer encouragement, guidance, and practical insights that you can choose to apply to your needs, according to your own relationship before marriage or after marriage.

I believe a couple ought to work through the relationship they’re about to commit themselves to, and make some serious decisions before they say “I do.” Sometimes that happens when the couple is out on a date and it occurs over dinner, and that’s good. You should know how your mate views on life, family, finances, friends, faith, the future, on how you’ll manage the home, step children, ex-spouses, or whatever is going on in your relationship world. You should discuss, and be satisfyied with that discussion or pursue it further if you’re not satisfied with their answers.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE MARRYING…

Benjamin Franklin is credited as saying something to this effect: “Before marriage you should keep your eyes wide open, but after marriage you keep them half-closed.”

The point is, you should know what you’re getting into, not just what you’re getting out of. Know the person behind the good behaivor, the romancing, and the best foot forward. How do you do that?

There is no better way to know someone than to know their family background. Learn all you can about their upbringing, how they relate to their parents and siblings, how love and marriage was modeled to them when they were a child, and especially how they handle conflict. These are the building blocks that will be the foundation of your marriage with them.

When I provide premarital counseling, these are the core issues to know and discuss. They will bring understanding and a guide so that your relationship can grow richer in love, affection, and fulfillment. At the heart of my premarital counseling is the 5 Love Languages, which I encourage couples to explore at any point in their relationship.

PREMARITAL COUNSELING PROCESS…

I use a simple three point process with one primary session. More than one premarital counseling session may be requested by yourself, depending on your sensed need or circumstance.

Premarital Counseling Questionnaire - Please fill-out the form below. You can answer the few questions together using the same form, if you’d prefer. One of you can even answer the questions for both of you.
Five Love Languages – Please complete the Five Love Languages profile located on my website here. You will both need to do it individually. If for any reason you have trouble with the online version, I can mail you the paper hard copy versions.
Discussion Session – Once you have completed the Premarital Counseling Questionnaire and the Five Love Languages profile, then we can talk. When we talk, I will explain applications about your Five Love Languages profile results. I am not interested in digging-up dig or reviewing problems on this primary session. If you have some issues or circumstances that do need to be addressed, than I would be happy to talk more. We can talk by telephone, Skype, or meet-up at my office.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS…

Q: What about actually getting together to discuss my situation?

A: If you live in the greater Mobile, Alabama area we can meet at my office at 2098 Schillinger Rd S, Suite 3, Mobile, Alabama 36695. If you live elsewhere, I frequently we can use email, phone, or Skype.

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: No. If you have insurance coverage that has counseling benefits, please check with your insurance policy. If you want a referral, I will point you to Larry Daniels of Pathway Professional Counseling, to find a covered counseling provider who is licensed by your state.

Q: What is your fees for your counseling services?

A: I don’t have hard-set fees, but usually couples or individuals give me an honorarium, or a little something for my time, and that’s fine and helpful for me and my ministry. A typical honorarium for a usual 45 to 60 minute visit has been anywhere between $25 and $50.

Please contact me if you have any questions, too.

PREMARITAL COUNSELING QUESTIONNAIRE…

Please use this form to begin the process of premarital counseling. Your information is kept confidentiality and submitted through this form, by email, direct to my personal email inbox. Thank you!

*(denotes required field)

Name: *

E-Mail Address: *

Is this a first marriage or is their a previous marriage for either of you?

Are either of you bringing children into your marriage?

Have you had conversations together about handling the money in marriage?

Have you had conversations together about handling your home and work schedules in marriage? *

Have you had conversations together about handling family involvement in marriage?

Have you had conversations together about about handling religion in marriage?

Any other issue or challenge that keeps coming up?