The Engle Center | Counseling Services

Premarital Counseling at Messiah

Premarital counseling is an important part of the process of preparation for marriage.  In recognition of that, most pastors today require couples to complete some form of premarital counseling.  We encourage engaged students to take advantage of that through their home church where possible.  Often that is not practical, however, when home is far away or when the marriage date is shortly after the end of the semester. 

In those situations, students who are engaged can receive premarital counseling at the Engle Center.  The counselors on our staff who provide premarital counseling are trained in the use of the PREPARE program which is designed to help couples identify important issues in their relationship and equip them with skills and resources to build a strong marriage.  Couples complete an inventory that identifies both strengths and growth areas in the relationship and this is used to focus the counseling sessions.  Though very comprehensive, the inventory can be completed in forty-five minuets to an hour.  This may be done on-line at a cost of thirty dollars for the couple.  If for some reason this is not possible a pencil and paper version may be completed at a cost of thirty-five dollars.  Though the time varies, counseling can usually be completed in four to six sessions.

This service is available to all full time students of the college.  It is only necessary that one member of the couple be enrolled full time in order to qualify. 

For more information contact the Engle Center at ext 5357 or stop by the receptionist’s desk to pick up an intake packet.  Be sure to specify your interest in premarital counseling.