In-Person or Virtual options available.

now accepting new Clients

(503) 841-2142

In-person or Virtual Options are Available | Now Accepting New Clients

(503) 841-2142

Marriage, Couples, and Premarital Counseling:
$140.00-200.00/ Session
Payment is required at the beginning of each session, unless special arrangements are made in advance.

Counseling Rates

Marriage is more than a ceremony—it’s a lifelong partnership that thrives on trust, communication, and shared understanding. Premarital counseling teaches couples how to navigate challenges and handle conflict in healthy, constructive ways. By addressing potential concerns early, you can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems, ensuring a solid foundation for your future together. 

As a premarital counseling therapist, I work with couples to:

  • Identify and celebrate strengths in your relationship.
  • Address areas of growth with compassion and guidance.
  • Use proven tools like the Prepare and Enrich program and Gottman Method to provide actionable strategies for communication, conflict resolution, and building intimacy.
  • Work together to build a couple’s identity.
  • Build a “baby bucket list” in preparation for family planning.

Whether it’s discussing finances, exploring values, or aligning on future goals, premarital counseling helps couples enter marriage with confidence and clarity. My office in Tigard serves couples in the surrounding areas, offering a supportive space to prepare for this exciting new chapter.


Building Skills for a Strong and Lasting Relationship

Preparing for a Lifetime of Love and Partnership

Every great marriage starts with intentional preparation. Premarital counseling goes beyond planning for the wedding day—it equips you with the communication and conflict resolution skills needed to create a strong and lasting partnership. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, Angelie helps couples build a foundation of trust, understanding, and shared goals for the future."

Proudly Serving Tigard, Lake Oswego, and the Greater Portland Area

Build a Strong Foundation with Premarital Counseling

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
—Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Cancellations must be made 24-48 hours in advance to avoid full charges.

Cancellation Policy

Clients wishing to use their insurance will be provided a Statement of Service so they may bill their insurance company directly. Please note the reimbursable amount is set by the insurance company.

Insurance

If you have additional questions, visit my Contact Page to learn more.

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Payment Forms

Typical session length is 50 minutes. Pillars of Hope Counseling also offers 90 minute sessions for couples who may need longer times. Family sessions are 90 minutes.

Rates

  • Grow together by aligning on shared goals and values.
  • Shift from “I” to “We” thinking, creating a true partnership.
  • Explore strengths and identify areas for growth in a supportive environment.
  • Heal past pains to move forward with a clean slate.
  • Learn how to address future concerns constructively and proactively.
  • Build stronger emotional and physical bonds.
  • Hear and share needs within the relationship with empathy and clarity.
  • Develop active listening and effective communication skills.
  • Deepen your understanding of your partner’s values and priorities.
  • Explore parenting styles and plan for family integration.

Key Benefits of Premarital Counseling

Preparing for a wedding often focuses on the big day, but what about the lifetime that follows? Premarital counseling helps couples create a strong foundation for their marriage by fostering communication, trust, and shared goals. It’s a safe space to explore your relationship and address potential challenges before they arise.

Strengthening Your Relationship Before Marriage

Why Premarital Counseling Matters

Through premarital counseling, couples gain essential tools for navigating life together, including:

  • Effective Conflict Resolution: Learn de-escalation techniques and calming strategies to manage disagreements constructively.
  • Empathy and Connection: Build a stronger emotional bond by learning to understand and uplift one another.
  • Practical Tools for Communication: Gain skills to tackle difficult conversations about finances, family planning, and future goals.
  • Expressing Love in Meaningful Ways: Learn your partner’s love language and how to fill their love bank.

By using evidence-based approaches like the Prepare and Enrich program, couples can identify their strengths, work on areas of growth, and set a clear path toward a healthy and fulfilling marriage.

Premarital counseling offers more than preparation—it’s an investment in your partnership and your future. Together, we’ll create a foundation of trust, understanding, and mutual respect to help your relationship thrive.

What Couples Learn in Premarital Counseling

Addressing Key Areas for a Stronger Marriage

Premarital counseling sessions are designed to address the topics that matter most to your future together. By discussing these areas openly and proactively, you can reduce potential conflicts and build a foundation of trust and understanding. While not every topic may be covered, many common concerns can be explored in-depth to ensure alignment and harmony before marriage.

Topics Covered in Premarital Counseling

Ready to Begin Premarital Counseling?

Deciding to pursue premarital counseling is a meaningful step in preparing for a lifelong journey with the right person. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I’m here to guide you through this exciting chapter with compassion and proven techniques.

Here’s how to get started:

Let’s work together to build the strong, connected relationship you both deserve.

Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Partnership

Handling Stress

Marriage brings both joy and challenges, and each person has their own way of coping with stress. Premarital counseling helps couples identify their individual stress responses, such as talking things out versus needing quiet time, and develop strategies to support each other. By creating tailored stress-management skills, couples can reduce tension and avoid unnecessary conflicts, fostering a calmer and more understanding partnership.

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Family Finances

Money often becomes a source of tension in marriage, especially when financial habits and values differ. In premarital counseling, couples discuss topics like budgeting, debt, savings, and whether to combine finances. By addressing these issues before marriage, couples can create a financial plan that aligns with their shared goals, reducing misunderstandings and fostering transparency.

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Family Planning

Whether you’re considering children, exploring parenting styles, or discussing family dynamics, premarital counseling provides a safe space to navigate these important topics. Couples can address questions like when to have children, how many, and how to approach caregiving roles. For couples exploring adoption or facing challenges like infertility, counseling offers tools to communicate effectively and plan for the future together.

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By addressing these areas in premarital counseling, you’ll gain valuable insights and skills to navigate life’s complexities as a team. Let’s work together to ensure your marriage starts on the strongest foundation possible.

A happy marriage doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through understanding, communication, and preparation. Addressing potential challenges, such as cultural differences or parenting styles, before they become sources of conflict creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Learning to see your partner’s perspective, even when you disagree, fosters empathy and strengthens your bond. Premarital counseling helps couples create the best version of their relationship, equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges and celebrate each other’s strengths.

For more insights into building a strong relationship, check out my article: 3 Building Blocks to a Successful Marriage or Relationship.

Laying the Groundwork for a Lasting Partnership

Building a Happy Marriage Through Preparation

 FAQs: Premarital Counseling at Pillars of Hope Counseling

 Preparing for a Strong and Lasting Marriage

Premarital counseling is a valuable step in building a solid foundation for your future together. Below, I’ve answered common questions to help set expectations and how counseling sessions can benefit your relationship.

1.  What is the average cost of premarital counseling?

At Pillars of Hope Counseling, premarital counseling ranges from $140 to $200 per session. These sessions are tailored to your relationship’s unique needs and focus on building a strong foundation for your future together.

2. How far in advance should you do premarital counseling?

It’s ideal to begin 3–6 months before your wedding to give ample time for meaningful discussions and skill-building. However, starting earlier or later can also be beneficial based on your needs and schedule.

3. Does insurance cover premarital counseling?

Like all mental health services, it is up to each insurance company to determine reimbursement benefits. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I provide detailed receipts for clients who wish to inquire about reimbursement with their insurance provider.

4. Do therapists do premarital counseling?

Yes! As a licensed therapist, I specialize in premarital counseling, using tools like the Prepare and Enrich program and the Gottman Method to help couples address key topics, build communication skills, and align their values and goals.

5. Can you get married without premarital counseling?

While premarital counseling isn’t legally required in most cases, it is highly recommended to help couples navigate potential challenges, improve communication, and create a shared vision for their future together.

6. What percent of couples go to marriage counseling?

Studies show that 30–40% of couples engage in marriage or premarital counseling. Those who do often experience stronger communication and a greater sense of connection.

7. What is the success rate of premarital counseling?

Couples who participate in premarital counseling are 30% more likely to stay together and report higher relationship satisfaction. At Pillars of Hope Counseling, I help couples develop the tools and insights needed for a strong and enduring partnership.

8. What states require premarital counseling before marriage?

While most states do not require premarital counseling, some states, such as Florida, offer incentives like waived waiting periods or reduced marriage license fees for couples who complete counseling.

9.  What are the top 3 things that couples should discuss during premarital counseling and why?

The top three topics are:
  • Communication Styles: Understanding how you and your partner express needs and resolve conflicts builds a foundation for effective problem-solving.
  • Family Finances: Aligning on budgeting, savings, and financial goals reduces future stress and fosters transparency.
  • Parenting and Family Planning: Discussing parenting styles, family dynamics, and future plans ensures alignment on shared values and expectations.

Have more questions or ready to start your journey toward healing?
Contact Angelie today to take the first step toward healing and growth.

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