Counseling outside of the church

MrsBoss2012

Has anyone here sought pre-marital/marital counseling outside of the church? My uncle is performing our ceremony and he is only requiring us to have one session with him. I am ok with that because I'm not trying to go all deep into it with him. I'm just wierd like that. I'd rather talk to someone we don't know. My FI agreed. I still want to go to someone who will get in depth though. I just don't know how to find someone. I still want it to be a Christian counselor. There are some in my area but they are not AA. Anyone been to a non AA counselor? Has anyone gone to counseling that is covered under your insurance?

Thanks ladies. Just looking for some feedback.

msbdumas

Maybe try another church pastor or I would try looking into just a regular marriage therapist ! My uncle is marrying us and like you we only doing 1 session. Its a white lady that comes into the shop that's a therapist that I'm considering using. She seem really cool and laid back. So maybe you can go that route !

msT2mrsH

Try some local universities around you too. We did a premartial class at church but also met one on one with a professional counselor who works at a college nearby. (we met her through our church) but they have a whole department and would probably work with you on the cost.

keyaira04

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_counseling-outside-of-the-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:dc800555-1821-4b8f-bf99-b405d2507914Post:fc3d7942-b825-4659-8aac-8548542feed3">Re: Counseling outside of the church</a>:
[QUOTE]Try some local universities around you too. We did a premartial class at church but also met one on one with a professional counselor who works at a college nearby. (we met her through our church) but they have a whole department and would probably work with you on the cost.
Posted by msT2mrsH[/QUOTE]



This! We had 6 group sessions by the church, but wanted something more personal. So at my job, a Christian Univeristy, I sought out a seminary student who counsels couples. I would also see about pp suggestion of a Univeristy counselor or maybe a intern in the PhD program, as they need so many hours. I have had insurance to cover about two sessions, but not sure with my blue cross blue shield now. Also check online for Christian counsel services/ practices.We also went with an non-AA pastor to counsel with, but FI left the area. However, we may be him to officiant and if so, ask for a few sessions because he is awesome.

20pearls16

Google AA Christian Counselors in your city or ask for a referral from a Pastor you know. That is how we found the Pastor that is marrying us. We have our sessions in his home. It's great. 

MrsBoss2012

Ok thanks for the great start ladies! I've done a combination of all of the suggestions I think! I have already received an email back from an independent AA Christian based counselor and I have some emails out to some churches who on their website said they offer services for members and non members. Now I'm trying to figure out how to find someone from a local Christian University. We have a few.

thedivav

Thanks for this thread because I need to do the same

MissusD1116

Good topic! FI and I are seeing a therapist who is non AA (not important to me) she is great! She is christian based. Check with your employers EAP (employee assistance program) they offer free sessions, some up to 5 per issue and you may have 6-8 mos to use them! Since its per issue, you may be able to call back and get a referal not only for premarital, but for another issue, like individual if you want.

keysmit

Hey, Let me see who my friend went through.. She loves the conselor she went through and it was a husband and wife. She got married in Nov and they still go.. I just sent her a text so give me a few hours to respond. She studying for the BAR and may not respond right away..

keysmit

Ok. my friend responded sooner than expected.. The name of the Church is called: First church of God.. i've been there before it's one of those mega church, it was a really good sermon, it reminded me of a church that I go to here in Cleveland.. But she highly recommend the marriage conseling, Especially since it is a husband and wife. Another church that I've been too that is smaller and more personal is by the airport. I can't remember the name of the church but the pastor name is Raymond Malone. Him and his wife are very lovely and have been together for a very long time.. Hey, FI and I may be coming to CO this weekend, he mentioned it late last night. LOL...

MrsBoss2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_counseling-outside-of-the-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:dc800555-1821-4b8f-bf99-b405d2507914Post:9dc40536-2cb8-49d2-8c32-6bb9cfc0d6e6">Re: Counseling outside of the church</a>:
[QUOTE]Ok. my friend responded sooner than expected.. The name of the Church is called: First church of God.. i've been there before it's one of those mega church, it was a really good sermon, it reminded me of a church that I go to here in Cleveland.. But she highly recommend the marriage conseling, Especially since it is a husband and wife. Another church that I've been too that is smaller and more personal is by the airport. I can't remember the name of the church but the pastor name is Raymond Malone. Him and his wife are very lovely and have been together for a very long time.. Hey, FI and I may be coming to CO this weekend, he mentioned it late last night. LOL...
Posted by keysmit[/QUOTE]

I've actually been wanting to visit First Church of God! I did notice on their website they have a marriage ministry. Thanks for asking your friend for me. Well I'll be around this weekend!

MrsBoss2012

Thanks everyone! My coworker mentioned to me this church they went through. They are not members but they did counseling and was set up with a couple to mentor them also. I contacted the Pastor over that ministry and he responded right away! Bad news is he wants us to get permission from our current Pastor. This is going to be awkward. We aren't up close and personal with him, his secretary SUCKS, so I don't know how we'll go about getting permission.

M1ssJ

Before we were engaged we went to couples counseling ( at our universities)  and I regularly go to counseling covered under my insurance. Both people are non AA and quite frankly I appreciated it more than our pastor's counseling.

MrsBoss2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_counseling-outside-of-the-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:dc800555-1821-4b8f-bf99-b405d2507914Post:e776d95a-57a2-4b82-be1f-4512a4c21338">Re: Counseling outside of the church</a>:
[QUOTE]Before we were engaged we went to couples counseling ( at our universities)  and I regularly go to counseling covered under my insurance. Both people are non AA and quite frankly I appreciated it more than our pastor's counseling.
Posted by M1ssJ[/QUOTE]

Thanks J. I plan to keep it going especially since we are starting so late in our engagement. I don't want to turn to counseling just when something bad comes up.