Unlike Couples Therapy, which is for couples who are struggling, Premarital Counseling is primarily an educational process. It equips engaged or pre-engaged couples with the tools and knowledge essential for a harmonious lifelong relationship. Our program not only imparts skills but also uncovers and addresses specific unknowns in the relationship, preventing future unpleasant surprises. With our program, this is all done in a light, conversational couple-to-couple setting that our clients enjoy.

Absolutely! While some couples may initially seek Premarital Counseling to address specific issues, the process consistently goes well beyond a couple’s expectations. It delves into previously unexplored aspects of the relationship, providing unexpected insights and better preparing couples for marriage. The transformative power of Premarital Counseling is recommended for any couple aiming for a fantastic lifelong relationship.

Our Premarital Counseling program is secular, with no connection to any faith or denomination. The topic of “spirituality” is discussed only in the context of ensuring the couple has an understanding of each others beliefs, as well as plans for how they will navigate any differences in faith for both the short- and long-term.

No one gets married with the expectation of divorce. And, most divorces could have been avoided if the couple had the right tools at the right time.

The education, tools, and skills acquired in Premarital Counseling equip the couple to deal with issues in more productive and constructive ways, reducing the likelihood that conflict will damage the relationship. Furthermore, studies show that couples who complete Premarital Counseling are more likely to seek out counseling for their marriage – and seek it out sooner – than couples that do not participate in Premarital Counseling, resulting in a better outcome.

We use assessments and exercises (some of them done at home between sessions), along with open discussion in-session, to explore your specific relationship, identifying potential areas of concern and strategies for overcoming them. We create a safe and comfortable atmosphere that makes frank and honest conversation possible, and we guide each couple through those sometimes difficult conversations, as well as on to new discoveries.

Because our program uses a couple-to-couple approach, both Estrella and Robert Cudmore are present for all sessions, which creates a more comfortable and balanced environment, where broader insights are revealed.

Learn more under Resources > How Our Premarital Counseling Works.

Our Premarital Counseling program covers an array of topics that are relevant to all couples, including:

An exploration of our families of origin and how they shape who we are, as well as our values, assumptions and expectations for married life.

Attitudes and behaviors regarding money and finances, intimacy and sex, spirituality, and parenthood are all explored in-depth. These are the “big four” causes of relationship conflict.

Communications and Conflict Resolution skills will be thoroughly discussed and practiced

You’ll discuss roles and responsibilities in a way that maintains harmony in the household.

You’ll explore foundations for a lifelong commitment, and specific plans on how you will live out your married life together.

Our standard program includes eight weekly 1-hour sessions. The pace of the scheduling is flexible to accommodate each couple’s specific needs, but couples that stay on a consistent schedule get the most out of the program.

Contact us if you need a compressed Premarital program that can be completed in as little as four weeks

See our pricing page for specific details. Card payment can be made online. The price of our Premarital Counseling program includes eight hours of session time with both Estrella and Robert Cudmore in our unique couple-to-couple format, as well as all materials needed for the program.

Because Premarital Counseling is an education process rather than mental health treatment, health insurance companies typically do not cover it. Therefore, we are not setup to accept insurance for the service we provide.

We recommend starting Premarital Counseling as early as possible, ideally finishing the program at least three months before the wedding. Most of the things learned through the program can be put to use immediately to improve your relationship, even before the wedding.

At the same time, Premarital Counseling is absolutely a “better late than never” offering. If your wedding is too close, or has already gone by, completing the program after the wedding will equip you with all of the knowledge and tools you need for marriage success.

We have extensive experience successfully working with couples using Zoom meetings. For clients who are able to participate in-person at our office in Northwest Austin, we highly recommend in-person sessions over Zoom because it eliminates the distractions that can be present in your home, as well as the benefits of the more personal interaction that in-person sessions provide.

The first step is to have a complimentary, no obligation informational in-person meeting or Zoom call with us. This informal session is your chance to meet Estrella and Robert, learn more about the Premarital Counseling program, have all of your questions answered, and see if we and our program are the right fit for you. If you decide to work with us, this is followed by some brief paperwork, payment, and scheduling your first session.

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