Counseling

Premarital Counseling

Intentional preparation for engaged couples across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro — pastor & officiant referrals welcome.

Couple Proposing - Premarital Counseling - Esther Davis Counseling | Marriage and Family Therapy, New Brighton MN

About this service

Congratulations — let’s build a strong foundation.

You have found someone you want to share life with! I believe marriage is one of the greatest gifts we can have in this life, and premarital counseling is beneficial to all couples embarking on the marriage journey.

The goal is to better understand each other and your relationship, and to build stronger skills that will equip you for your future together. Having a third party to offer objectivity and prompt deeper discussion can be of tremendous value to you and your partner. Congratulations again — I look forward to seeing you!

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.”

— Proverbs 18:22

What to expect

In premarital counseling you can expect…

01

Take an online assessment

A Prepare/Enrich assessment gives a snapshot of your strength and growth areas across 12 relationship categories.

02

Talk through your results

Together we set goals for our time, with special attention to strengths and growth areas — communication exercises, budget planning, stress management, and family of origin.

The assessment covers

12 areas of your relationship

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Partner Style & Habits

Financial Management

Leisure Activities

Sexual Expectations

Family & Friends

Relationship Roles

Spiritual Beliefs

Marriage Expectations

Parenting Expectations

Health & Wellness

The assessment is not a test of whether your relationship will succeed or fail, a prediction of your future relationship, a guarantee of success, or a replacement for professional relationship counseling. It’s simply a tool to help you understand each other better.

At a glance

Session details

Format

In person or telehealth

Session length

About 2 hours

Commitment

Minimum of 6 sessions

Rate

$175–$225 / hour

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How many sessions is premarital counseling?

A minimum of six sessions, each about two hours, built around your Prepare/Enrich assessment results.

What is the Prepare/Enrich assessment?

An online assessment that maps your relationship’s strengths and growth areas across 12 categories — communication, finances, expectations, and more — to guide our work together.

Do you offer faith-based premarital counseling?

Yes, if you’d like it. Faith can be woven in to whatever degree you prefer, and I welcome referrals from pastors and officiants across the metro.

Is premarital counseling covered by insurance?

Premarital counseling typically isn’t covered by insurance, since it isn’t tied to a mental health diagnosis. The rate is $175–$225 per hour.

Let’s begin

Not sure if it’s the right fit?

A free 15-minute consultation is a relaxed way to talk it through — no pressure, no commitment.