Premarital Counseling on the Upper West Side
Many couples put a lot of time and effort into planning for their wedding, but they aren’t even thinking about preparing for their marriage. With the divorce rate being so high these days, it’s always good to plan ahead with premarital counseling programs.
Robin Bryant, Ph.D. is an accredited premarital counseling practice that can help you build a solid foundation for your future together. Marriage is a big commitment, and I’ll work with you to ensure your values are aligned and your boundaries are clearly defined before taking the next step.
Prepare yourselves for married life, so it’s smooth sailing when it counts most. Contact me now at (917) 751-5109 to schedule a consultation.
What Is Premarital Therapy?
Premarital counseling is a form of professional therapy designed to help couples prepare for marriage by strengthening their relationship and addressing key topics before saying “I do.” It’s typically conducted by a licensed therapist and may include individual sessions, joint sessions, or both.
Rather than focusing solely on current challenges, premarital counseling is proactive. It helps partners build tools to communicate effectively, resolve conflict constructively, and align their values, expectations, and long-term goals.
Whether the couple is newly engaged or has been together for years, premarital counseling provides a structured space to have honest, in-depth conversations that many partners may not think to initiate on their own.
Why Is Premarital Counseling Important?
Premarital counseling sessions benefit couples by helping them build a stronger foundation before marriage, reducing the likelihood of future misunderstandings, resentment, or long-term conflict. Even the healthiest relationships benefit from clear communication and aligned expectations, and premarital counseling helps achieve both.
Here are a few key reasons why couples choose premarital counseling:
- Prevents avoidable conflict: By discussing common stress points early—like money, family, and future goals—couples can prevent them from becoming divisive issues later.
- Strengthens communication skills: Partners learn how to listen actively, speak openly, and navigate difficult conversations with compassion and clarity.
- Uncovers potential red flags: Counseling provides a safe space to explore disagreements or concerns that may need more attention before marriage.
- Increases long-term satisfaction: Research shows that couples who undergo premarital counseling report higher marital satisfaction and lower divorce rates.
- Promotes shared understanding: Therapy ensures that both partners are on the same page about what marriage means to them and how they envision their life together.
How Is Couples Premarital Counseling Different Than Couples Therapy?
While premarital counseling and couples therapy both support healthy relationships, they serve different purposes and are typically used at different stages in a couple’s journey. Premarital counseling is a proactive step taken before marriage to prepare for long-term partnership, while couples therapy is often sought when a couple is already experiencing difficulties they’re struggling to resolve on their own.
When Is the Best Time To Start Premarital Couples Therapy?
The best time to start premarital counseling is well before the wedding planning becomes overwhelming, ideally several months before the big day. Starting early allows couples to fully explore important topics without the added pressure of deadlines, guest lists, or venue logistics.
Many couples begin sessions shortly after getting engaged, but there’s no strict timeline. What matters most is that both partners feel ready to have open, honest conversations about their future together.
Free Preliminary Consultations on Premarital Counseling and Therapy
When you give me a call, I’ll set up a free initial consultation where you’ll get to answer a questionnaire to determine how you feel about each other and the relationship. From there, we’ll be able to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and set goals to overcome those problem areas.
Many people shy away when they hear words like “counseling” and “therapy,” but there’s no reason to. Premarital counseling is there to ensure that you and your partner have a healthy and robust bond that’ll easily transition into a stable and satisfying marriage. I offer a safe space for open and honest discussion with a touch of professional advice and guidance.
Leading Premarital Counseling Exercises: Communication Is Key
From your finances to your beliefs and values, Robin Bryant, Ph.D. will help you lay everything out on the table, because these topics are important to discuss before making a major commitment like marriage.
In premarital counseling, I will cover the following topics:
- Roles in Marriage
- Affection and Sex
- Children
- Family Relationships
- Finances
- Decision-Making
- Dealing with Anger and Sadness
- Quality Time Expectations
- Beliefs and Values
- … and more!
I’ll help you improve your ability to communicate with each other while making sure you’re both aware of each other’s expectations and differences. My goal is to help you clarify your desires and core values for your marriage so you feel truly prepared for a long-term commitment.
Robin Bryant, Ph.D.: The Premarital Therapy Expert
I’ll help you create positive marriage resolutions during each premarital counseling session, keeping the conversation focused and productive. As a fully licensed and highly qualified therapist, I’ll teach you effective conflict resolution techniques and how to truly listen and communicate. Believe it or not, many couples don’t know how to do this properly!
With my guidance, you and your partner will learn how to give each other constructive feedback without passive aggressiveness or personal jabs. You’ll also practice active listening and learn how to make your partner feel truly heard when they’re expressing themselves.
Otherwise, Robin Bryant, Ph.D. is here to guide you through making compromises and understanding when it’s realistic to make major decisions like having children or buying a home. Whatever you need support with, I’m here to help.
Do Both Partners Need To Attend Every Premarital Counseling Session Together?
In most cases, premarital counseling is designed for both partners to attend together, since the goal is to strengthen communication, build understanding, and prepare for marriage as a team. Joint sessions create a shared space where you and your partner can openly discuss important topics with the support of a neutral professional. Attending together allows each of you to hear the other’s perspective in real time and develop tools to navigate differences as a couple.
However, there are situations where individual sessions may also be helpful, especially if one partner wants to explore personal concerns or clarify thoughts privately before discussing them together. Robin Bryant, Ph.D. offers a flexible approach that includes both joint and individual sessions when needed.
The Best Premarital Counseling on the Upper West Side
Call Robin Bryant, Ph.D. now at (917) 751-5109 to book your first appointment!
Looking for premarital counseling on the Upper West Side? Contact Robin Bryant, Ph.D. at (917) 751-5109.