2 Locations in AL
SYMBIS Certified Facilitators

Premarital Counseling Program

Save your marriage before it starts. Our comprehensive premarital counseling program uses the SYMBIS Assessment to give you a personalized roadmap for lifelong love.

Affordable Investment in Your Future

Quality premarital counseling shouldn't break the bank. Our program is designed to be accessible to all couples.

$35

SYMBIS Assessment

One-time comprehensive pre-marriage assessment

$15

Per Session

8-10 counseling sessions included in program

$155-$185

Total Program

Complete premarital counseling series

What is the SYMBIS Assessment?

SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) is the world's most practical and widely-used pre-marriage assessment. Created by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times best-selling authors, this sophisticated instrument has helped over 1,000,000 couples prepare for lifelong love.

The assessment provides you with a personalized 15+ page report that identifies your unique strengths and growth areas as a couple, giving you actionable insights and proven strategies for building a thriving marriage.

Comprehensive & Accurate

Covers personality dynamics, communication styles, conflict resolution, financial expectations, and more.

Faith-Based Foundation

Integrates Christian principles with proven psychological research for holistic marriage preparation.

"The SYMBIS Assessment took our relationship to a whole new level. Every engaged couple should do this. It's a blast!"

— Liam and Rachel, SYMBIS Couple

Endorsed by leading experts:

  • • Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University
  • • Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages
  • • Dr. Neil Clark Warren, eHarmony Founder

Program Structure

Our comprehensive 8-10 session program covers everything you need for a strong marriage foundation.

1

Initial Assessment

Complete the SYMBIS online assessment together. Receive your personalized 15+ page report identifying strengths and growth areas.

2

Report Review Session

Meet with your counselor to review your SYMBIS results and create a personalized roadmap for your sessions.

3

Core Counseling Sessions (6-8)

Deep-dive into key topics: communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, family dynamics, spiritual life, and expectations.

4

Final Integration Session

Review your progress, celebrate your growth, and receive tools and resources for continued success in your marriage. Upon completion, you'll receive a personalized completion certificate recognizing your commitment to building a strong marriage foundation.

Topics We'll Explore Together

Our program addresses the most important areas for building a thriving marriage.

Communication Styles

Learn to speak and listen effectively

Conflict Resolution

Navigate disagreements with grace

Financial Management

Align your money values and goals

Intimacy & Expectations

Build emotional and physical connection

Family Dynamics

Navigate in-laws and boundaries

Spiritual Life Together

Grow your faith as a couple

Personality Differences

Understand and appreciate each other

Life Goals & Dreams

Create a shared vision for your future

Roles & Responsibilities

Build an equitable partnership

Session-by-Session Curriculum

Our comprehensive 8-10 session program follows a proven curriculum designed to prepare you for every aspect of married life.

1-2

Assessment & Foundation Building

  • Complete SYMBIS assessment and review personalized results
  • Explore your unique personality dynamics and compatibility strengths
  • Identify growth areas and create your personalized roadmap
3-4

Communication & Conflict Resolution

  • Master the art of active listening and effective expression
  • Learn healthy conflict resolution strategies and de-escalation techniques
  • Understand your communication styles and how to bridge differences
  • Practice "fighting fair" and turning conflicts into growth opportunities
5-6

Finances, Intimacy & Expectations

  • Align your financial values, goals, and money management approaches
  • Create a budget and discuss debt, savings, and spending priorities
  • Build emotional and physical intimacy foundations
  • Discuss expectations around roles, responsibilities, and household management
7-8

Family, Faith & Future Planning

  • Navigate family dynamics, in-laws, and healthy boundaries
  • Discuss children, parenting philosophies, and family planning
  • Grow your spiritual life together and integrate faith into your marriage
  • Align on life goals, dreams, and create a shared vision for your future
9-10

Integration & Ongoing Success

  • Review your progress and celebrate your growth as a couple
  • Develop a personalized action plan for continued relationship success
  • Receive tools, resources, and strategies for lifelong marriage health
  • Obtain your personalized completion certificate

Flexible & Personalized

While this curriculum provides a structured framework, your counselor will tailor each session to your unique needs, concerns, and relationship dynamics. Some couples complete the program in 8 sessions, while others benefit from the full 10-session experience.

Why Choose Hope Counseling Center?

SYMBIS Certified

Our counselors are trained and certified SYMBIS facilitators

Faith-Based Approach

Integrate Christian principles with proven counseling methods

Affordable Pricing

$15 per session makes quality counseling accessible

Flexible Scheduling

Evening and weekend appointments available

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the program take?

Most couples complete the 8-10 session program in 2-3 months, meeting weekly or bi-weekly based on your schedule.

When should we start premarital counseling?

We recommend starting 3-6 months before your wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to work through the material without feeling rushed.

Do we need to be religious to participate?

While our approach is faith-based, we welcome couples of all backgrounds. We'll meet you where you are on your spiritual journey.

Can we do sessions virtually?

Yes! We offer both in-person sessions at our Birmingham and Bessemer locations, as well as secure video counseling for your convenience.

What if we've been together for years?

Premarital counseling is valuable for all couples, regardless of how long you've been together. Many long-term couples discover new insights about their relationship.

Ready to Build a Strong Foundation?

Don't leave your marriage to chance. Invest in your future together with our proven premarital counseling program.