Secular pre-engagement and premarital counseling: in person and online in TN
premarital counseling in nashville
why secular premarital counseling?
an evidence-based premarital program for the modern
couple — personalized to your story.
Whether you are newly engaged or considering making the leap, premarital counseling should actually prepare you for what’s ahead — not just check a box for a marriage license discount. I work outside any religious framework. This doesn’t mean we can’t bring faith into the room — but if we do, it will be unique to you and your partner, not from an institution.
you are in the right place if:
+ you’re recently engaged
+ you’re exploring counseling before getting engaged
+ you and your partner are interfaith or come from different faith backgrounds
+ one or both of you have a complicated relationship with religion
+ you identify as atheist, agnostic, or somewhere in between
+ you’re building a life together while figuring out career and family timing
Ready to start the conversation?
reach out through my contact page. I’ll follow up to schedule a free consultation call so we can see if we’re the right fit.
what we cover in sessions
We will start with an assessment across key relationship areas like communication, conflict, money, sex, family, relationship roles, and faith. This tells us what’s already strong and where to focus. That way we celebrate what’s working and build skills where you need them most. You’ll leave with a personalized report of your relationship strengths and growth areas. This gives you something to reference long after counseling ends.
Program options + intensives
Premarital counseling generally lasts 4-6 sessions, one session per week. Some couples find it easier to schedule at a bi-weekly basis if they have enough time prior to the wedding. I want you to feel prepared for the next phase without having to commit to long term care. I also offer a 4 hour premarital intensive for couples who want to feel prepared without committing to weeks of sessions. Intensives are held either Friday evening from 3-7pm or Saturday mornings from 8a-12pm.
Individualized support
Each relationship is different and your counseling should reflect that. Whether you’re navigating a disagreement about having kids, figuring out boundaries with in-laws, or working through a specific road block, we’ll tailor the work to what you actually need. This can evolve into ongoing couples counseling if that is something you and your partner are interested in continuing to maintain the health of your relationship.
why i do this work:
I started offering secular premarital counseling because I saw a real gap in Nashville. This is a city with no shortage of faith-based programs, but few options for couples who fall somewhere in between on religion, or want a different kind of guide than traditional premarital counseling offers. I wanted to build the program I felt was missing.
-
Secular premarital counseling covers the same core relationship skills as traditional premarital programs (think communication, conflict, finances, intimacy) without a religious framework guiding the process. If faith is part of your relationship, we can absolutely talk about it; it just won’t be prescribed or assumed by me.
-
Most couples complete the program in 4-6 sessions, and if we add specialized sessions for certain topics it comes out to 6-10 sessions total. I also offer the express 4 hour intensive format if you’re short on time. This 4 hour program still qualifies you for the marriage license discount in the state of Tennessee. Your unique number of sessions depends on your goals, relationship history, and whether you want an express format or a deeper, more comprehensive experience.
-
No, and in fact sometimes it is better to come in prior to engagement! Wedding planning can be time consuming. Many couples start pre-engagement counseling to explore compatibility, clarify expectations, and build communication skills before making a major commitment.
-
Yes! Secular counseling is often the best options for mixed-belief, interfaith, or nonreligious couples because it focuses on shared values, communication, and skill building- not tied to any particular religion. Many interfaith couples in Nashville choose this approach to avoid feeling boxed into a faith-based program that might not be able to accommodate the faith backgrounds of both individuals.
-
No, premarital counseling is not required to get married in Tennessee. Tennessee does offer a license discount to couples who complete a 4-hour premarital course with a licensed provider before applying. I’m happy to provide documentation of completion if you’d like take advantage of that.
-
Yes! In addition to in-person sessions, I offer online premarital counseling for Tennessee based couples who prefer virtual support. Telehealth sessions follow the same structure as our in-person program. My 4 hour intensive format is only in person in Nashville. That’ a long time to stare at each other on Zoom.
-
Cost varies slightly depending on number of sessions. For weekly counseling, my session rate is $160 per session; for 4-6 sessions that would be $640-$960. My 4 hour intensive premarital program format is $595.
-
We’ll talk through your expectations and attitudes about having kids — including if you’re not sure yet. If you’re not aligned, premarital counseling won’t force an answer, but it will get you both naming where you actually stand on the decision.
frequently asked questions
Compare and contrast
Faith-based premarital counseling
Faith-based premarital counseling centers a specific religion or denomination’s principles on what makes a good marriage, and is often led by a pastor or facilitator from that same tradition. Sometimes, it is a requirement to go through a church’s premarital program in order to get married in their sanctuary.
Compare & contrast
Secular premarital counseling
Secular premarital counseling focuses on the relationship areas research shows couples struggle with most — skills and activities are grounded in that research, and the facilitator is typically a trained mental health professional who doesn’t disclose their own faith orientation into the therapy room.
CONTACT
CONTACT
Schedule a free, 15 minute consultation call to talk through your needs and if we might be a good fit together. We can talk through scheduling on this call as well to make sure your premarital program works with both of your calendars.