Something Blue

PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING FOR THE BRIDE

Bridal counseling is individual therapy for brides with a special focus on the unique issues that brides encounter during the wedding planning process. Most brides experience wedding anxiety at one time or another in preparation for the big day. Bridal counseling can help you turn the wedding planning process into an opportunity for self growth rather than just a source of anxiety. During your session your therapist will help you explore feelings about getting married, leaving your single life, growing up, leaving your family of origin, ending the simple dating days, and becoming a partner. Therapy will also prepare you for your wedding day and marriage beyond.

Here are some common topics that come up for brides....

Communication issues with your partner: Maybe you and your partner are not seeing eye to eye on the guest count, or you  have different style ideas for the wedding. Perhaps you are noticing deeper concerns about how you each relate to your families or differences in your spending habits and relationship to money. These might seem like small details but can definitely add to stress and increase tension between you and your partner. We can work together on how to broach these conversations so you both survive and are both heard.

How to deal with your family, the in-laws, bridesmaids and your friends: What if your parents are divorced, or you are not sure who you want to walk you down the aisle because of complicated family dynamics, or your mother in law insists on including a tradition from her family that you are not so keen on? Or perhaps your bridesmaids are fighting and driving you crazy. We can talk about how to manage all of  these difficulties as they come up and improve your relationships.

Doubts about marriage, cold feet: You might be having some doubts about marriage, getting cold feet, find yourself disagreeing with your partner or not enjoying the process as much as you thought you would. These are completely normal feelings and thoughts.  We can explore these fears together in a non judgmental way and also focus on how to keep you emotionally healthy and listen to your own needs throughout. 

Indecisiveness, feeling overwhelmed and stressed: Decision fatigue is a real thing! It might feel silly but it is easy to get overwhelmed and sometimes paralyzed by how many small and large decisions you have to make. The bridal world is full of unlimited options and messages. We can help you get connected to and learn how to trust your voice,  so you can make decisions from a place of confidence rather than self doubt.

Body image issues: With all the pressure to look perfect and the feeling, and perhaps reality, that all eyes are on you, it is common for brides to struggle with how they feel about themselves and their body. We can discuss what is coming up for you and make a plan for how to incorporate healthy habits that will make you feel good about yourself and not bring you down.

How can bridal counseling help?

Every bride can benefit from someone to talk to, away from your personal life, giving you a nonjudgmental, impartial safe space to share your feelings and problems and help you work through them. Bridal counseling can improve your communication with your partner, increase healthy interactions with family and friends and help you manage your expectations of the wedding planning process. By accessing bridal counselling and support, you are giving yourself the greatest chance of feeling your best on your special day.