THE PROGRAM
Saving Your Marriage
Before It Starts.
SYMBIS is a research-based premarital program developed by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors, marriage researchers, and counselors with decades of work building strong couples.
It's not a generic workbook. It's a structured, guided journey through the conversations that define whether a marriage thrives or just survives. We take you through it over 8 weeks with a therapist guiding every step.
SYMBIS is a program created by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. The Couch is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Parrotts or SYMBIS Assessment Resources, we are licensed practitioners who use this program as part of our clinical work.
AT A GLANCE
What to Expect
A clear structure so you're never wondering what comes next and a therapist who makes it all feel like a real conversation, not a checklist.
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8 Sessions: 50 minutes each
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Week 1: Intake - your therapist gets to know you and your relationship background
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Week 2-8: SYMBIS curriculum, one topic per week
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At-home exercises: using your SYMBIS workbooks between sessions
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In-person: Spokane Valley, WA
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Telehealth: available in Washington State
THIS PAGE IS FOR YOU IF...
You're ready to invest in your
marriage before it starts.
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You're engaged and want to start your marriage on solid ground, not just a great wedding
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You and your partner communicate differently and want to understand each other better before the stress of real life hits
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You've watched other marriages struggle and you're determined to do this differently
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There are conversations you've been avoiding because you're not sure how to have them without it turning into a fight
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You come from different family backgrounds and want to be thoughtful about what you're each bringing into this
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Your church or officiant requires premarital counseling and you want it to actually be helpful
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You've been together a long time and want to make the commitment official with intention and clarity
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You want a professional, safe space to work through questions before they become problems
HOW WE HELP
What We Cover.
Every session follows a proven framework. Here's the road map your therapist brings to life.
WEEK 1
Intake & Relationship Background
WEEK 2
Have you faced the myths of marriage honestly?
WEEK 3
Can you identify your love style?
WEEK 4
Hve you developed habits of happiness?
WEEK 5
Can you say what you mean and understand what you hear?
WEEK 6
Have you bridged the gender gap?
WEEK 7
Do you know how to fight a good fight?
WEEK 8
Are you and your partner soul mates?
Topics follow the SYMBIS curriculum by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott. At-home exercises reinforce each week's session using your workbooks.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your Course Material
Husband's Workbook
Exercises and guided reflection designed for the future husband, completed between sessions at home.
Wife's Workbook
Exercises and guided reflection designed for the future wife, completed between sessions at home.
SYMBIS Book (x2)
One hardcopy of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts for each partner to read.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your Course Material
PROGRAM FEE
$800
for both partners · full 8-week course
Covers all 8 sessions (50 min each) for both partners. A valid credit card must be kept on file. Payment plan available, same-day cancellations on a payment plan are charged the full session fee.
COURSE MATERIAL FEE
$80
+ tax · due after first session (rate varies based on seller)
Covers four books: two SYMBIS workbooks (his & hers) and two hardcopies of the SYMBIS book. Price may vary slightly depending on vendor at time of purchase.
A valid credit card must be kept on file. Course materials are due upfront after the first session. The program fee may be paid in full or by payment plan.
POLICIES
What We Ask of You.
Cancellation Policy
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24 business hours advance notice required to cancel or reschedule or the full session fee applies
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Same-day cancellations are charged the full fee if a payment plan is in place
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Cancellation calls, texts, and emails are accepted Mon–Thu, 9am–5pm
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Monday appointments must be canceled by 5pm the previous Thursday
Payment Policy
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Course materials payment is due after the first session
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A valid credit card must be saved on file for billing
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Cancellations at least 24 hours in advance will not incur a charge
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Program is private pay, insurance is not accepted for this course
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions about
Premarital Counseling.
Is the SYMBIS program exactly 8 weeks?
Yes, the program is structured as 8 sessions: one intake session where your therapist gets to know you and your background, followed by 7 SYMBIS curriculum sessions, one topic per week. The structure is intentional, and it builds on itself each week.
We don't have major problems. Do we really need this?
That's actually the best time to come. SYMBIS isn't for couples in crisis, it's for couples who want to be intentional. The conversations you have before you're in the middle of a hard season are much easier to have than after. Think of it like building a foundation before the house goes up, not patching cracks after.
Does insurance cover premarital counseling?
The SYMBIS program is private pay and is not billed to insurance. Premarital counseling isn't classified as treatment for a mental health diagnosis, which is what most insurance plans require. We keep our pricing transparent, $800 for the full program, plus a one-time materials fee.
What if one of us is nervous or unsure about counseling?
That's more common than you'd think, and completely okay. We don't put anyone on the spot. Your first session is just a conversation, your therapist asks questions, you share at whatever level feels comfortable. The SYMBIS format also helps because the structure gives nervous partners something to hold onto. You don't have to have it all together to show up.
Can we do premarital counseling online?
Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our Spokane Valley office and telehealth appointments for couples who prefer the flexibility. Many engaged couples are busy, planning a wedding while managing work and life, so we want to make it as easy as possible to actually show up and do this.
Will the therapist tell us whether we should get married?
No. That's not our role, and it's not our call to make. What we will do is help you both see yourselves and each other more clearly, so you can make that decision with full information and genuine honesty. If there are concerns worth naming, we'll name them. But we're not here to judge your relationship. We're here to support it.
What happens if we need to cancel a session?
We ask for at least 24 business hours advance notice to avoid the full session fee. Cancellations are accepted Monday through Thursday, 9am–5pm. If your appointment is on a Monday, please cancel by 5pm the previous Thursday. Same-day cancellations on a payment plan are charged the full fee.
THERAPY IN SPOKANE VALLEY, WA · IN-PERSON & TELEHEALTH
When you're ready,
we're here.
Based in Spokane Valley, WA, we support couples in building strong foundations, improving communication, and preparing for long-term relational health.
Or reach us directly: 509.655.9843 · office@thecouch.us
Looking for premarital counseling near you in the Spokane area? We're located at 16114 E Indiana Ave, Suite 310 in Spokane Valley, WA 99216, just minutes from Panera Bread. In-person and telehealth available.