Premarital Counseling in Encinitas, CA

*Online Therapy in California Currently Provided*

Committed but Stressed and Doubting

You’ve found the one…you think… Ever since you and your partner decided to take your relationship to the next level, the stress between the two of you seems to have increased ten-fold. It doesn’t make sense – because this is your person! You’re still in love and excited. But, you still feel worried. You’re seriously wondering how you might get through all of the differences that seem to be popping up between the two of you. It seems like the problems are multiplying like rabbits. Added to that, the stressors involved in planning a wedding and/or ceremony seem insurmountable. There’s pressure on all sides. It’s like you can’t win. You might even find that you are disagreeing and fighting more.

Common Reasons Couples Begin Premarital Counseling

You’re in a tough spot. And, there’s a good chance that there’s a lot of contradicting thoughts running through your head. Yes, you recognize this is the person you would like to spend the rest of your life with. And, you also can’t help but to see all of the issues that are coming up. It feels like your union is bringing to light the differences between the two of you. Sure, you knew those differences were there. But, it feels like they’re being highlighted under a fluorescent light.

However, you’re not alone in feeling this. Our premarital counselors have worked with many couples just like you. Through their experience, they have seen a few common themes among the couples they work with. Some of the reasons couples begin online premarital counseling include:

• Adjusting to living with another person and sharing space
• Planning your wedding or ceremony
• Blending families or children from previous relationships
• If you don’t live together: negotiating how much to see each other (particularly challenging in COVID times!)
• Identifying how your family of origin impacts your relationship
• Developing healthy relationships with in-laws
• Having a hard time handling the anxiety that comes along with this choice
• Integrating and negotiating between your different value systems
• How to merge or maintain personal finances
• Not being able to distinguish between butterflies or anxiety 
• Maintaining outside friendships and interests while continuing to invest in your relationship

Premarital Counseling Can Help You Build a Solid Foundation

Navigating this challenging situation by yourself feels like walking up a mountain in flip-flops. You may find yourself feeling incredibly guilty for even questioning your decision to devote your life to the person you love. On top of that, you don’t know how to talk to your partner about your concerns. All of this makes it seem like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. However, that’s not the case. Online premarital counseling in California can take off some of that weight. Online premarital counseling helps you and your partner negotiate your differences in a healthy way.  Through online premarital counseling, we’ll teach you both the skills to handle disagreements in a kind way. Yes, you’ll get your point across. And, you’ll develop the skills to truly listen to your partner and ask the tough (but needed) questions.

Our skilled premarital counselors have worked with many couples embarking upon their shared life. Many of them just like you. They have found it invaluable to work through their emerging differences that are inevitable. In addition, they have found that developing skills to negotiate stressors together and build a solid foundation of connection are key to success. And, this helps to strengthen your commitment to one another.

With the support that comes online with online premarital counseling, you can find new ways of encouraging each other. You’ll learn tips in communicating more effectively and helping to lift each other up. It will become the cornerstone of your relationship. Likely, something that you’ll think about and use throughout your life together. On top of that, you’ll be deepening your connection. And, ultimately helping you to weather life’s challenges more effectively.

The Headway Therapy Approach to Premarital Counseling

Our marriage counselors know the internal battles you’re going through. They are familiar with the guilt and the shame that comes along with it.  So, our first goal is to stabilize and normalize the experiences you’re having. To do this, our first step is to increase effective and empathic communication. We know this step is key in developing a healthy relationship. At Headway Therapy, this is our initial focus. Like a house, a relationship needs a solid foundation of healthy communication. When we focus on communicating, we focus on all of the components that play a part. Which is much more than verbal.

EFT in Premarital Counseling

Once this has been established,  we can dive into the “good stuff.” We are able to explore the dynamic that brought the two of you together. And, we look at how the two of you navigate disagreements.  This approach ties in components of emotional focused therapy (EFT) and the Gottman approach. Exploring your different value systems is also helpful in the beginning stage. This helps us understand the underlying issues beneath any struggles you might currently. Or, potentially experience in the future, together. What’s more, this framework gives us a clear picture of other aspects of your relationship, too. We can delve into how you emotionally support or challenge one another. This can shed light on how the two of you connect and disconnect from each other.

The EFT process is invaluable for couples heading into marriage. And, you’ll reap the benefits long after our sessions are over. Setting a firm foundation and diving deep into things now will benefit your marriage for years to come. The insights gained from this exploration will help you feel more deeply connected to your partner in the present. You’ll actively strengthen the foundation you are creating for your life together in the future.

Benefits of Online Premarital Counseling in California

You’ve thought about premarital counseling, but just aren’t sure you can make it work. Online premarital counseling may be exactly what you need. Online premarital counseling offers you many benefits that you’re missing from traditional in-person therapy. First, online premarital counseling gives you more options for providers than being limited to in-person therapy. So, you’re not limited by your geographic location. Our in-person therapy services may be limited to people in the San Diego, CA area who can drive to our Encinitas office. In fact, our couples therapists can offer online counseling to couples anywhere in the state of California!

Additionally, online premarital counseling is often more convenient than in-person counseling. With online therapy, you don’t have to factor in driving or commute time. Instead, pull out your device when you and your partner are ready to start your session. So, you get all of the benefits of premarital counseling with less of a time commitment.

In addition, it’s important to note that studies have shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. So, whether you’re in Oakland, the Bay area, or downtown San Fransisco, Headway Therapy is here and ready to work with you!

Begin Online Premarital Counseling in California

Feeling doubtful and stressed with your partner is not helpful. Your partner has become the most important person in your life and your commitment to each other deserves a solid foundation. Our Encinitas, CA therapy practice has caring couples therapists who specialize in premarital counseling. To start your online premarital counseling journey, follow these steps:

1. Contact Headway Therapy.
2. Meet with one of our expert couples therapists.
3. Build a stronger connection with your partner.

Other Counseling Services at Headway Therapy

Premarital counseling is not the only service we offer in our Encinitas therapy group. Other mental health services at Headway Therapy include marriage counseling, treatment for depression and mood, anxiety treatment, therapy for teens, therapy for children, counseling and support for infertility, and therapy for pregnant and postpartum families. We look forward to connecting with you!