Premarital Counseling in Gilbert, AZ
A strong marriage does not happen by accident.
Most couples spend months planning the wedding day, but very little time preparing for the marriage that follows.
Premarital counseling gives you and your partner space to slow down, understand each other more deeply, and have the conversations that matter before you say “I do.”
At EMDR Transformations Counseling, we use the SYMBIS premarital program to help couples explore personality differences, communication patterns, expectations, family influences, finances, intimacy, conflict, and shared values in a guided, supportive way.
This process is not about looking for problems. It is about building awareness, strengthening connection, and preparing for the life you are choosing together.
Who the Premarital Counseling Program is for
Premarital counseling may be a good fit if you are:
- Engaged and preparing for marriage
- Seriously dating and considering long-term commitment
- Wanting to strengthen communication before marriage
- Entering a second marriage
- Blending families
- Wanting to be more intentional before making a lifelong commitment
Many couples discover that SYMBIS helps them talk about things they had not fully discussed before, in a way that feels supportive instead of overwhelming.
Why Couples Choose Premarital Counseling
When couples come to therapy later in their relationship, the issue is rarely that they do not love each other.
More often, they have different expectations, communication styles, financial beliefs, family patterns, or conflict habits that were never fully understood.
Premarital counseling helps couples bring those conversations into the open early, before patterns become painful or difficult to change.
Love is the foundation. Understanding, communication, and shared expectations help that love grow.
What Makes SYMBIS Different
SYMBIS is a research-based premarital assessment that creates a personalized 18-page report for you and your partner.
Your therapist will walk you through the report and help you explore important areas of your relationship, including:
- Personality differences
- Communication patterns
- Conflict resolution
- Financial perspectives
- Family expectations
- Emotional needs
- Intimacy
- Spiritual beliefs and values, if relevant to you
The goal is not to give you a score or label your relationship. The goal is to help you understand each other more clearly and build practical tools for marriage.
What this Program Includes
- Four 90-minute premarital counseling sessions
- SYMBIS relationship assessment
- Personalized 18-page relationship report
- Guided conversations about key areas of marriage
- Practical tools for communication and conflict resolution
- In-person or virtual session options
When to Begin
We recommend starting premarital counseling at least 3 to 6 months before your wedding date.
This gives you enough time to complete the assessment, review your report, and have meaningful conversations without feeling rushed.
You do not need to be engaged to begin. Couples who are seriously dating and considering long-term commitment are also welcome.
In-person and Virtual Options
Premarital counseling is available in person at our Gilbert office or virtually through secure video sessions.
Both options offer the same guided process, personalized support, and structured conversations.
You can choose the format that works best for your schedule and relationship.
Investment
- 90-minute premarital session: $275
- SYMBIS assessment: Included
- Four-session prepaid package: $1,000
Take the Next Step
If you and your partner are ready to prepare for marriage with more clarity, connection, and intention, we would be honored to support you.
Schedule a free premarital counseling consultation.
Available in person in Gilbert, AZ, or virtually.
Premarital Counseling FAQs
Do we need to be engaged to participate?
No. Many couples begin premarital counseling while seriously dating or discussing long-term commitment. The process can be valuable at any stage before marriage.
What if we already have a strong relationship?
Many couples who feel confident in their relationship still gain meaningful insight through the SYMBIS process. Premarital counseling is not only for couples who are struggling. It is designed to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and help couples prepare intentionally for marriage.
What topics will we discuss?
Topics often include communication, conflict resolution, finances, family influences, intimacy, emotional needs, expectations, and future goals. Your conversations are guided by your SYMBIS results and tailored to your relationship.
Is this program faith-based?
The SYMBIS framework can include discussions around spirituality or faith if that is meaningful to the couple. At the same time, the counseling process is respectful of all backgrounds, beliefs, and values.
What if this is a second marriage or we are blending families?
Premarital counseling can be especially helpful for couples entering a second marriage or blending families. These relationships often come with additional dynamics and expectations that benefit from open conversation and intentional planning.
How long is the program?
The program includes four 90-minute counseling sessions, along with the SYMBIS assessment and your personalized relationship report.
Do we complete the SYMBIS assessment before the first session?
Not necessarily. Your therapist will guide you through the process and help you complete or submit the assessment if needed. The first session is designed to feel supportive and low-pressure.
Are sessions available virtually?
Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual premarital counseling sessions through a secure video platform. Couples are welcome to choose the format that works best for them.
Can we alternate between virtual and in-person sessions?
Yes. Many couples choose a combination of both depending on scheduling, travel, or convenience.
How early should we start before the wedding?
We generally recommend beginning 3 to 6 months before your wedding date. This allows enough time to thoughtfully work through the assessment and conversations without feeling rushed.
What if we discover areas of disagreement?
That is completely normal. Premarital counseling creates space to explore differences in a healthy, productive way before marriage. The goal is not perfection. The goal is greater understanding, communication, and clarity.
Will we receive anything to take with us after the program?
Yes. You will receive your personalized 18-page SYMBIS relationship report, which many couples continue to reference throughout their marriage.
What is the cost?
90-minute premarital counseling sessions are $275 each. The SYMBIS assessment is included. We also offer a prepaid four-session package for $1,000.
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Hours
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 8pm
Sunday: Closed
