Premarital Counseling in Utah
A calm, private place for engaged and committed couples to talk through the big questions before and as they build a life together, in Murray or by video anywhere in Utah.
Led by a certified EFT therapist · HSA & FSA accepted · LGBTQ+ affirming · In person or telehealth
What premarital counseling is
Premarital counseling is a series of conversations with a therapist, held before a wedding or a lifelong commitment. It gives the two of you a structured, unhurried space to talk about the things that are easy to put off in the busyness of planning.
Healing Hearts Counseling is a private practice in Murray, Utah. Premarital counseling is one of the services our couples team offers, led by Dr. Mallorie Sorce, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist. It is open to engaged couples, couples planning to commit, and couples of any identity or relationship type.
What couples choose to talk about
Couples often use premarital sessions to talk through topics like these. They are examples, not a checklist.
- Communication and conflict: how each of you speaks up, listens and makes repairs after a disagreement, and what tends to set off a hard conversation
- Money: what you each learned about money growing up, how you want to earn, spend, save and share it, and who decides what
- Roles and expectations: who does what at home, how you balance work, rest and time together, and what each of you pictures married or committed life looking like
- Family and in-laws: what you each learned about relationships from the family you grew up in, and how you want to handle extended family, holidays and boundaries
- Closeness and sexual health: affection, desire and sex, including expectations, comfort levels and how each of you likes to talk about them
- Faith, values and traditions: what matters to each of you, where you agree, and where you differ, including beliefs that are changing
- Children and life plans: whether and when to have children, how you would parent, where you want to live and the future you want to build
- Trust and commitment: what commitment, loyalty and privacy mean to each of you
You decide what to bring. Nothing is required, and no one is graded. Topics such as sex or faith come up only if you choose to raise them.
How we work
We use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an approach built on attachment, which is the need to feel close to, and able to rely on, the people we love. It pays attention to how the two of you connect and the patterns that show up between you. Sessions focus on helping you understand each other better and practice talking about hard subjects together.
If you would like it, we can also draw on our sex and intimacy therapy services. See our pages on couples therapy for intimacy and couples sex therapy.
How it works
A free 20-minute consultation
You tell us what you are hoping for and we answer your questions, at no cost.
Matched with the right therapist
We pair you with a therapist on our team whose specialty fits what you need.
Begin sessions
Weekly 50-minute sessions at our Murray office, or by video anywhere in Utah. How many sessions you attend is your decision.
What it costs
Sessions are 50 minutes and range from $100 to $200 depending on the therapist. We are a private pay practice, accept HSA and FSA cards, and provide a monthly superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your plan. See what couples therapy costs and how payment works.
Common questions
Who is premarital counseling for?
Couples who are engaged, planning to marry or planning to commit to each other in another way. Couples of every identity and relationship type are welcome.
Do we need to have problems to come?
No. Many couples come with no particular problem and want a structured place to talk before a big step. Others come because one topic keeps turning into an argument. Both are welcome.
Do you work with couples of different faiths, or who no longer share a faith?
Yes. We see couples of many faiths and of none, including couples whose beliefs are changing. Your therapist will not tell you what to believe. See also our faith transition therapy page.
Do we both have to attend?
Premarital counseling is designed for the two of you together, so we ask that both partners come. If one of you is unsure, call or text us and we can talk it through during the free consultation.
How many sessions will we need?
Sessions are weekly and 50 minutes long. How many you attend depends on what you want to cover, and we will talk about it with you after the consultation.
Can we do it online?
Yes. Telehealth works anywhere in Utah, and sessions can move between in person and video without changing therapists.
Where is your office?
5411 S Vine St #6, Murray, UT 84107, about 15 minutes south of downtown Salt Lake City. We schedule from 8:00am to 10:00pm, seven days a week. See our Murray office.
How do we get started?
Call or text (801) 610-9409 for a free 20-minute consultation. We will match you with a therapist whose specialty fits.
More ways we help couples
Premarital counseling sits alongside our couples therapy and marriage counseling services. If you live in the valley, see our couples therapy in Salt Lake City page for directions and drive times.
Our therapists
Led by Dr. Mallorie Sorce
Dr. Mallorie Sorce, LMFT, Sexologist, Certified EFT Therapist, UAMFT Supervisor, Clinic Owner
Our team includes licensed therapists and associate therapists who practice under supervision.
Free 20-minute consultation
Call or text (801) 610-9409 for a free 20-minute consultation.
5411 S Vine St #6, Murray, UT 84107 · Telehealth statewide across Utah
Counseling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself or someone else, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Results differ from couple to couple, and we cannot promise a particular outcome.