Pre-marriage counseling – Counselors and Therapists in Greenville, SC

So you’re ready to take the next step in your relationship? Congratulations! You popped the question, said “Yes,” and now the rush is on to set a date and get married. There’s so much to do and so little time. It can be both stressful and joyous at the same time. You have a list so you don’t forget a single detail.

Wedding dress – check
Tuxedo – check
Wedding cake – check
Reserve the church – check
Hire a caterer – check
Plan the honeymoon – check
Schedule premarital counseling – ?

Have you scheduled premarital counseling yet? Maybe you’ve never thought of it before. If you plan to have a faith-based ceremony, maybe you’ve been encouraged to participate in premarital counseling – possibly even be required to do so. If you’ve considered it, you may have wondered, “Is premarital counseling necessary?” Or, “Is premarital counseling worth it?”

While it’s generally not a requirement for getting married, it’s a pretty good idea for most couples. Premarital counseling provides couples with a safe and structured time to discuss issues that may come up at the beginning of a marriage. With the aid of a pre-marriage counselor, you’ll develop strategies for addressing these issues in a positive and constructive manner. Premarital counseling gives new couples an opportunity to build a solid foundation for a lasting and meaningful relationship.

What can I expect from premarital counseling?

This is an excellent question. Many newly engaged couples don’t know what to expect from their marriage. They just know that they love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together – maybe even start a family one day. But there’s a lot more than “love” that goes into a happy and meaningful marriage. Your pre-marriage counselor will help you discuss:

Communication styles
Conflict resolution
Roles of each partner
Sexuality and intimacy
Family dynamics (in-laws, siblings, extended family)
Children (if you want them, how many?)
Where to live
How to manage finances (including debts)
Religious expectations
Political values

At Thriveworks Premarital Counseling of Greenville, we value the bond of marriage. We partner with couples to help them build a firm foundation that will last a lifetime. Premarital counseling is a safe place to discuss your hopes and dreams – and even your reservations about marriage. Even if this isn’t your first marriage, premarital counseling will help you get started on the right foot.

So give us a call today. Our pre-marriage counselors are available with both day and evening appointment times. We make the cost of premarital counseling affordable by accepting most major insurance plans. Get started today. With appointments times in 48 hours or less, there’s never been a better time to begin counseling with a Thriveworks Premarital Counselor. Call us today (864) 952-4048

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ based on 47 reviews. See all reviews

Great Facilitator of Change!

★★★★★

LaKimberly Dowdell was an excellent counselor. She was a great listener, while at the same time knowing precisely the right moment to provide her expert knowledge. She is very personable and caring, yet knows what to say to support the change you are seeking. I highly recommend her.

- Greenville Client

Patient, Compassionate, Very Knowledgeable; leaving you with renewed dignity and Self Worth

The only reason why my Family stopped going to see Ms. Dowdell is because I had to change jobs and at the time my schedule would not allow us to continue services. She made sure my Family had a great transition to another Provider and that we had continuity of care. Now that my schedule has a little more flexibility, I am very thankful to be able to continue services with Ms. Dowdell who still remembers my Family’s history like we were just in her office yesterday (over 1 year ago)! She listens intently and never puts you down, and helps you understand your emotions and what issues and problems you may be going through in a way that you can understand but clearly. Personally, I deal with a lot of stress and being pulled in a lot of directions, and would when I felt as though my words did not make sense coming out of my mouth, she would know how to piece together what I was saying and not make me feel bad for being too vulnerable and made my therapy sessions a safe space to learn and grow from them. I am forever grateful for how she is helping my Family accept what we need to accept, change what we need to change, and heal from the root of our wounds; wounds I did not know were there. I highly recommend her.

Emily Gilliam

Emily was the first therapist I had ever gone to after thinking for a long time it would be good for me. I was stuck in a rut and repeating patterns and using coping skills that were no longer helpful to me. She helped me work through many of my personal issues, some which had been stewing since childhood. She always knew when to push and when to back off if a certain issue was too sensitive at that time. She is honest yet kind. I was sad to see her move out of Chicago but I will forever be grateful for the tools she helped me to develop for dealing with the sh**show that life can be sometimes. She helped me get back into alignment with who I really am as a person. I would highly recommend her for anyone who is struggling or even just looking for a little more balance in their lives.

Emily Gillian

Emily has been an amazing help in my life for the past couple of years. She helped me see my worth when I couldn't see it myself. She helped me with my grief after losing my father. She helped me overcome my addictions with drugs and alcohol. She taught me to be kind to myself and that everyday is not gonna be an amazing day and that's okay. She helped me accept that I don't have to know the outcomes to big life changes that it's best to go with the flow, wear life like a loose garment. Emily is such and amazing counselor and I am forever grateful for everything she helped me see. Emily cares tremendously and I know deep in my heart she is gonna continue being the sunshine in many more client lives. Emily has made a huge impact on my life and I don't think I will ever find a counselor as down to earth as she is. Chicago misses you already!!! :) :) :)

Thankful for Emily Gilliam!

Emily helped me out of one of my most scariest times in life. I was suffering from intense anxiety and depression. I thought I was handling it well until one day had a massive panic attack. I did my research and reached out to her immediately. She met with me the next day and helped my put a plan into place for recovery. The first time I met her, I knew I could trust her and she tailored my therapy and sessions to what I needed at the time and at each stage of progress. There were times I digressed and she helped me get back on track and we celebrated my small wins and progress together. I would recommend her to any friend or family member. I know personally, taking the first step to get help is an important one. I can confidently say she was a great first step for me and I know she's fantastic at helping others too.

I don’t write many reviews but this one is worth it. I found myself in a difficult and dark spot. A time in my life where in my mind, I had nowhere to turn. I reached out and I had never done this before. It was extremely difficult to say to myself, “I need someone to talk to.” Not knowing who or where that someone would be. And so, I was introduced to Emily Gilliam. A stranger, a therapist, a counselor. I don’t talk as it is, but Emily made it easy as I spilled my circumstances, actions, thoughts, and beliefs to Emily in a comfortable and secure setting. And for over a year, Emily and I were able to get through my darkness, my tough time, my thoughts, my situation. I would not be in my better place right now if it were not for Emily or people like Emily that are in her profession. Emily and people like her are needed and I’m am very happy that our paths crossed. And if you find yourself in a dark spot, a dark place in life, and you have the opportunity for your path to cross into Emily’s, you would be in a safe, secure, professional, space. I do thank her every day, even though she may not know it, or may not know how important she is and was to me and how her help, advice, thoughts, options, and opinions that she gave me got me through my darkness. So, if this review reaches one person and that one person has the opportunity and good fortune to meet and talk to Emily, I would be happy for that one person, as that person would meet an excellent stranger, therapist, counselor, and maybe a friend. Thanks again Emily, I wish nothing but the best, CB.

Review for Emily Gilliam

Full of compassion, wisdom, and humor, Emily helped guide me through one of the toughest years of my life. She is exceptionally skilled at what she does, yet makes each session feel effortless. I could feel she truly cared for me. She taught me practical coping mechanisms while also helping me discover who I was and why I should love every part of myself. I highly recommend Emily Gilliam.

This practice is really blessed to have Emily. Having been her supervisor and colleague for long enough to appreciate both her genuineness as a human being and as a clinician, I know she practices what she teaches, understands the human condition better than most clinicians I have supervised, and truly enjoys learning and working with people as unique individuals. I very strongly recommend her to anyone seeking therapy.

Emily is the Best

Emily is a therapist with instinct!! She’s very good with all types of people and I can attest that she puts her 100% into each session. Emily has the ability to understand individual needs more then many other therapists I’ve ever encountered and is truly a joy to visit each week!

I met Emily as a fellow clinician with a shared client. I was impressed by her thoroughness and thoughtfulness. So much so that I referred a family member who significantly benefitted from her therapeutic support as a therapist who truly understood his challenges.

Great experience

I worked with Dr. Emily and she helped me during a stressful time in my life. Every session with her was positive and beneficial. I left every one with more clarity. We focused on my personal relationships and major life decisions. I would recommend her to anyone!

Good experience

★★★★☆

I have worked with Emily Gilliam in the past for my anxiety, depression and eating issues. I felt very much at ease with her and never felt judged. She was a good listener and encouraged me to take control of my life and my decisions.

Emily has been working with me for over two years now. [I was a patient of hers at her former employer and still continue to see her.] I started going back to therapy and was connected with Emily when my anxiety and depression were ruining my life. The way she reframes thoughts and changes the perspective on issues I've had has been amazing and eye-opening. I am also a trans individual and Emily's ability to cater to my needs throughout my transition has been the strongest point in her favor. In short, in my experience, she's great with people struggling with depression and/or identity issues. Also, as a bonus, she's been very flexible with appointment times and dates and always fit my schedule no matter how booked I felt.

Caring and Friendly

I've seen Emily Gilliam for over a year and has been excellent. She is very friendly and definitely puts in a lot of effort during our session. It's really helped me out a lot and I feel as if I've made a great friend. When times were low, she'd find a way to cope with that stress or anxiety. I would recommend Dr. Gilliam if you are dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, or just need someone to talk to.

Quality Therapist

Emily is amazing! I have never felt so comfortable talking to someone the way I did with her. Sometimes it can be hard to face your problems and talk about them out loud, and to a stranger. However, I felt that Emily just understood me and she cared to listen. She was real and companionate. I highly recommend her!!

Emily is awesome!

Emily is amazing to work with! She empowered me to navigate my past experiences and taught me how to release their hold over my life. I never left her office without a smile or reassurance that I am “okay”.

Transformative therapy

Emily has been an amazing therapist for me during a very difficult time in my life. She is affirming, gentle, and the therapy partner I needed to work through some hard questions. I fully recommend her.

Great practice – Jessica is amazing!

I've been seeing Jessica McCraw for the last 7 months and I have nothing but good things to say about her and her practices. With every session she gives me her full attention and listens to everything that I have to say. She continues to provide me with the tools and coping skills that I need to work through every day stressors no matter how big or small. She has provided me with a "game plan" and makes sure I do my homework to stay on track to reach my personal goals. Through working with her I have achieved a level of peace that I haven't experienced in a very long time. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through personal struggles or if you just need someone to talk to.

Bethany is fantastic!

Bethany is open, caring and an amazing listener!

Great service

Nathan was great. He was on time and a real professional

Just amazing

I had a sessions with Nathan Hanson and I swear he helped me change my life. I am finally doing what I love and allowing myself to be happy because of him!

Emilee Scruggs

Emilee is very understanding and easy to have discussions about whatever is on my mind. She takes her job very seriously and has a godly heart.

Krista Martin

Krista is great! She is very professional and has helped me tremendously. She was there when my daddy passed away after a long battle, when my momma passed away unexpectedly and when my son was going through so many teen challenges. Krista's compassion and honesty are amazing. I would definitely recommend her to any of my friends and family.

She listens to me.

Help(s) in troubled times. She listens and understands.

Mind-Body Connection

Not only is Krista well-versed in the mind-body connection but she was very instrumental in helping me live out day to day stresses. My emotions have a tendency to try to rule me but Krista gave me some empowering tools that I can do to help myself maintain my emotions.

I have known Krista for over 12 years. She has and continues to be a true friend that I trust implicitly to talk to about any personal or emotional challenges I am dealing with. She listens calmly and without judgement and helps me to think things through and helps calm my anxieties. Only recently did I even realize that Krista had been providing me therapy many times throughout the years. When I am speaking with Krista, I am her priority. Krista is wise beyond her years. I would highly recommend Krista. Krista is professional, reliable, kind, caring, trusting, patient and 100% confidential.

Over the past 5 years I have had a chance to work with Krista Martin. Krista is a wonderful person who is very smart and truly cares about the work she does. Over the past two years she has become a mentor to me. She takes her time to walk me thru processes and makes sure I understand exactly what management expects from us. Krista is wonderful to work with. When I make a mistake she will tell me about the mistake and take the time out to show me where the error was made. When I'm right she takes the time out to come praise me for a job well done. Thanks for taking time out of your schedule and investing it in me.

Great

Nathan is a great counselor and has been very helpful in helping with my battle against depression. After trying multiple counselors I finally found one that is great.

Highly Recommend

I've had a great experience interacting with the staff, especially LaKimberly who is a great counselor, very supportive, caring. I would highly recommend this company if looking to improve yourself or get help in handling the ups and down of life.

Jessica McCraw

I had the privilege of working with Jessica McCraw for 5 years. She is an amazing human being and her counseling ability is way above average. She cares about what she does. I can assure you, tgis addition to your facility will be the best.

Easy to talk to

Nathan Hansen is very easy to talk to. The times when I threw him curve balls, he was always happy to do the research to help me with the problem that I was having. I always feel like he is listening to me when we talked and that made me feel more at ease to open up to him. I always found him to be polite and professional.

Great first appointment.

Great first appointment. Emily was very considerate of my shooter time and accommodating. Looking forward to my next appointment.

Great Therapist

I have worked with Lakimberly for over10 years. She has demonstrated excellent professional skills while working with her clients and co workers. Lakimberly is constantly enhancing her knowledge through trainings and seminars to better serve her clients in this changing world. She has even assisted me with working through several personal issues. Great Therapist indeed!!!

Excellent Therapist

Lakimberly was my therapist when I entered into a very traumatic situation. The advise she gave me from our first conversation has still been the best advice two years later. Her demeanor totally makes you feel comfortable and never judged about any comments you say to her. If you are looking for someone who's calm , professional, and very kind Lakimberly will be perfect for you.

Life Changing

Having been to several counselors without great success, I was not sure what to expect coming here, but knew it was worth a shot. Emilee Scruggs has been amazing! She validated everything I am going through and never judges or acts like I am crazy. She is understanding, kind, and helpful! She not only listens to what you are saying, but offers reasonable strategies to help you in your daily life. I did not realize how much I was struggling until after just one session with her! It sounds dramatic, but truly my life has been changed for the better, I have even had friends comment on it. I also love that the space is professional without seeming like a doctors office. Overall, great experience and I am so thankful to have found it!

Emilee Scruggs is First-Rate!

Emilee Scruggs counseled my mother in her assisted living community for 18 months. Emilee is professional, pleasant and personable. She is also an effective communicator and was always willing to touch base with me. With Emilee’s help, my mother is thriving!

Emilee Scruggs Excellent Counselor

Emilee Scruggs is an excellent counselor. I have worked with her for a number of years and seen first hand how families have received excellent services from her. Emilee is compassionate, smart and dedicated to her patients and their families. I wholeheartedly recommend her services and feel that she is extraordinary in her field.

Emilee is fantastic

I had the pleasure of working with Emilee Scruggs for over 2 years when she was in the Long-term care setting. The patient’s would rave about her! They all talked about how compassionate she was and encouraging. I saw the progress they made from their sessions with Emilee. Hate not working with her now, but happy for her new career. She will help so many people. Highly recommend her!!!

I have really enjoyed my session with Nathan!

Very pleased for responding right away. Thank you.

Love the Decor

The offices are fantastic. It is such a cool place, I LOVE the decor!!!

Quick, and easy scheduling

Quick, and easy scheduling. Samantha provides positive feedback and coaching. It’s been very helpful for me to have a welcoming space to work through issues.

Sam is a well-rounded therapist with a variety of experience. She is not only a compassionate therapist but demonstrates skill in organization, attention to detail, follow through, excellent time management, and maintaining healthy boundaries.

Nobody Does It Like Thriveworks

Most counseling centers make you wait weeks before you see a counselor. The fact that I got a face-to-face appointment with a professional counselor within 24 hours was truly amazing! To top things off, Thriveworks accepted my insurance. So I got help quickly and affordably. Thank you Thriveworks!

Service When You Need It

I am very excited to have a practice like this in Greenville. I have friends and relatives who have had to wait three weeks or more for an appointment. To be able to get a counseling appointment when I need it most, and not have to wait, is wonderful!

Amazing Services

Thriveworks of Greenville provides exceptional services for those needing assistance in moving their lives forward. The staff are excellent as they are truly passionate about helping their clients make incredible advances in their lives. The staff are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and highly skilled. They take time and care with each appointment, and the amazing results speak for themselves! I would recommend Thriveworks of Greenville to anyone looking for the highest quality of services.

All talk

★☆☆☆☆

Having never done counseling before I gave it 2 session; first one get to know me and set plan and expect 2nd to be action. Well the only action advised in session 2 was to get a new job, thanks but not practical or helpful. After trying a different group/person for counseling I realized that my 2 session at Thriveworks were less helpful then initial thought.

See fewer reviews

Pre-marriage counseling – Counselors and Therapists in Greenville, SC

What can I expect from premarital counseling?

People Love Our Providers!

Great Facilitator of Change!

Patient, Compassionate, Very Knowledgeable; leaving you with renewed dignity and Self Worth

Emily Gilliam

Great Facilitator of Change!

Patient, Compassionate, Very Knowledgeable; leaving you with renewed dignity and Self Worth

Emily Gilliam

Emily Gillian

Thankful for Emily Gilliam!

Emily Gilliam

Review for Emily Gilliam

Emily Gilliam

Emily is the Best

Emily Gilliam

Great experience

Good experience

Emily Gilliam

Caring and Friendly

Quality Therapist

Emily is awesome!

Transformative therapy

Great practice – Jessica is amazing!

Bethany is fantastic!

Great service

Just amazing

Emilee Scruggs

Krista Martin

She listens to me.

Mind-Body Connection

Krista Martin

Krista Martin

Great

Highly Recommend

Jessica McCraw

Easy to talk to

Great first appointment.

Great Therapist

Excellent Therapist

Life Changing

Emilee Scruggs is First-Rate!

Emilee Scruggs Excellent Counselor

Emilee is fantastic

I have really enjoyed my session with Nathan!

Very pleased for responding right away. Thank you.

Love the Decor

Quick, and easy scheduling

Highly Recommend

Nobody Does It Like Thriveworks

Service When You Need It

Amazing Services

All talk

Thriveworks Counseling

It’s Time to Start a Relationship with a Thriveworks Counselor

Thanks for signing up!

Pin It on Pinterest