Oakville · Virtual in Ontario & select provinces
Premarital Counselling
Building the foundation before the big day
- Free 15-minute consultation
- Receipts for extended health benefits
- In person in Oakville, serving Burlington & Milton, or virtual in Ontario & select provinces
4 therapists, one teamOakville & online in Ontario & select provinces
Not Sure Who to See?
Tell us a little about what’s going on and we’ll suggest the therapist who fits.
We’ll match you →There’s a lot of planning that goes into a wedding: the venue, the guest list, the playlist, who sits next to whom.
There’s usually a lot less planning for the marriage itself.
Premarital counselling is a chance to step back from the to-do list and talk about the things that will matter long after the wedding: how you communicate, how you handle conflict, what you expect from each other and what kind of life you want to build together.
We offer premarital counselling in Oakville and virtually across Ontario & select provinces for engaged couples, couples planning to move in together, and couples making a long-term commitment of any kind.
You don’t need to be struggling to benefit. Many couples come in because things are good and they’d like to keep it that way.
Why Consider Premarital Counselling?
Every couple brings two histories, two families and two sets of expectations into a relationship. Some differences are easy to see. Others only show up later, often at stressful moments like a new baby, a move, a job loss or a family crisis.
Premarital counselling gives you space to talk about those things now, with a neutral person who can help keep the conversation productive.
What We Might Talk About
Every couple is different, and sessions are shaped around what matters to you. Common topics include: - Communication: how you each express needs, listen and repair after a disagreement - Conflict: the arguments you keep having and what’s underneath them - Expectations: roles, household responsibilities and what "partnership" means to each of you - Money: spending, saving, debt and financial goals - Family: in-laws, boundaries and the traditions you each bring - Children: whether, when and how you want to parent - Intimacy and connection: keeping closeness alive through busy seasons - Culture, faith and values: what’s important to each of you and how you’ll honour both - Life goals: careers, where you want to live, and what you hope your life looks like in ten years
Not Just for Engaged Couples
Premarital counselling can be helpful if you’re: - Engaged or planning to marry - Moving in together - Entering a second marriage or blending families - Recommitting after a difficult period - In a 2SLGBTQIA+ relationship and wanting a space that’s affirming
Not Sure Who to See? We’ll Match You.
Tell us a little about what’s going on and we’ll suggest the therapist who fits.
How Sessions Work
Sessions usually include both partners. Your therapist will get to know you as a couple, learn what brought you in and help you talk through the topics that matter most to you.
Some couples come for a set number of sessions before their wedding. Others prefer to keep going for a while afterwards. You can decide together with your therapist what makes sense.
Approaches may draw on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and other relationship-focused methods, depending on the therapist and your needs.
In Person in Oakville or Virtual
Our therapy offices are located in a residential home in Oakville. All sessions are by appointment only.
Virtual sessions are available across Ontario & select provinces, and can work well for busy couples or couples who live apart.
Hours are Mon–Fri 8 AM–10 PM; Sat/Sun 10 AM–5 PM, by appointment, so you can often find a time that works for both of you.
Meet the team
Your Therapist
- Michaela DeSimone, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Michaela works with couples and families, as well as preteens, teens and adults. Her areas of focus include relationships, dating and attachment. Meet Michaela
- Megan Appleton, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Megan works with couples and families, and with individuals 16+. Her areas of focus include couples therapy, relationships, dating and attachment. Meet Megan
Cost & insurance
What Sessions Cost
Individual therapy
- 15-minute consultationFree
- 30-minute session$105
- 50-minute session$160
- 75-minute session$240
- 100-minute session$320
Couples or family therapy
- 15-minute consultationFree
- 50-minute session$200
- 75-minute session$300
Heart of Oak Psychotherapy is a private-pay practice. We don’t offer direct billing, and we don’t work with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). You pay us directly, and we provide a receipt after each session that you can submit to your extended health benefits provider for reimbursement.
Many extended health plans cover services from Registered Psychotherapists, but plans vary, so please check your coverage with your provider. A sliding scale is available for people experiencing financial hardship, assessed case by case.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find your answer? Call (289) 201-1951 or email hello@heartofoakpsychotherapy.com.
Do we need to have problems to do premarital counselling?
No. Many couples come in when things are going well. Premarital counselling is about understanding each other and preparing for the future, not fixing something broken.
How many sessions do couples usually have?
It varies. Some couples come for a few sessions, others for longer. You can talk with your therapist about what fits your goals and timeline.
Is premarital counselling religious?
No. Our premarital counselling isn’t tied to any religion. If faith is important to one or both of you, it’s welcome in the conversation.
What if we disagree about something big?
That’s normal, and it’s often why couples come in. Your therapist won’t take sides. The aim is to help you understand each other and talk it through.
Can we do premarital counselling virtually?
Yes. Virtual sessions are available across Ontario & select provinces.
Is premarital counselling covered by insurance?
Some extended health plans cover couples sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist. We don’t direct bill, but we provide a receipt after each session that you can submit. Please check your plan.
Who offers premarital counselling at Heart of Oak?
Michaela DeSimone and Megan Appleton.
Free 15-minute consultation
Not Sure Who to See? We’ll Match You.
Finding the right fit matters more than finding the perfect words. Answer two quick questions and book a free consultation; we’ll point you to the therapist who suits what you’re looking for.
More Than the Wedding Day
The wedding is one day. The marriage is everything that comes after.
Taking time now to understand each other more deeply can be one of the most meaningful things you do together.
Not sure which therapist is right for you? Book a free consultation. We’ll learn a little about what you’re looking for as a couple and help match you with Megan or Michaela.
Other ways we can help
Something Else on Your Mind? We Can Help With That Too.
Many people come in for one thing and find it’s connected to another. Explore the other areas our therapists work with.
Not sure it fits a box?
Most people aren’t. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll help you sort out where to start.
Help me choose a therapist →Virtual therapySecure video sessions in Ontario & select provinces›AnxietyWorry, panic, racing thoughts›DepressionLow mood, numbness, no energy›Trauma & PTSDAfter one hard event, or years of them›Preteens & teensSchool, friendships, big feelings›Grief, loss & pet lossIncluding the loss of a pet›Eating disorders & body imageFood, body and self-worth›OCDIntrusive thoughts, doubt, compulsions›ADHDFocus, overwhelm, follow-through›Men’s therapyStress, anger, pressure to cope alone›Stress & life transitionsBurnout, change, new chapters›Relationships & datingPatterns, dating, attachment›LGBTQIA+ affirming careBe fully yourself in the room›Couples therapyConflict, distance, reconnecting›Family therapyParents, kids and the space between›First responders & healthcare workersShift work, hard calls, carrying it home›Self-esteem & confidenceThe inner critic, people-pleasing, comparison›Not sure? We’ll match youTell us what’s going on›