Who Are the Best Pittsburgh Premarital Counselors?
As the owner & founder of Zeller & Co. Therapy, I'm passionate about providing online therapy to individuals, couples, and families living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ohio & Illinois.
Finding the right premarital counselor in Pittsburgh can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't know where to start. With so many options available, how do you know where to seek therapy or who will truly be the best fit for you and your fiancé?
As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience, I've helped countless couples prepare for marriage by building strong, healthy foundations. My approach is customized to each couple, focusing on enhancing communication, resolving potential conflicts, and deepening emotional connections. If you're looking for someone to guide you through this exciting journey, I invite you to reach out and see if we might be a good fit.
While I'd be honored to work with you, I also recognize that there are other providers with different backgrounds and specialties. My practice focuses on moms, families, engaged and married couples. Above all, it's important you get the support that's right for you. Here, I offer my recommendations for other local therapists in Pittsburgh.
Finding the Right Premarital Counseling in Pittsburgh
Start the process early by using one of the best prevention methods out there: premarital counseling. A skilled therapist can help you and your partner navigate potential challenges, enhance communication, and build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. With so many options available, finding a therapist who aligns with your values and understands your unique needs can feel overwhelming.To help you in your search, I’ve compiled a list of highly recommended premarital therapists in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas who offer both in-person and telehealth services.
These therapists each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s their specialized training, years of experience, or the way they connect with clients. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of them and have seen the positive outcomes they help their clients achieve. If you find yourself drawn to one of these therapists, I encourage you to reach out to them directly to learn more. And if you feel that I might be a good fit for your needs, please understand that I’m always here to answer any questions or begin a conversation about how we can work together.
It's important to remember that no therapist is a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re seeking free therapy or require support for issues such as substance abuse or domestic violence, it is important to find someone who specializes in those areas.
Now, let’s dive into the list of recommended premarital therapists who can help guide you through this important time in your life.
1. Anne Riddle
Anne Riddle has a remarkable ability to help couples navigate the challenges of their relationships with empathy and insight. She is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in premarital counseling, abuse, addiction, and a variety of other disorders. Anne has been known to have a reassuring presence and her use of evidence-based methods, like the Gottman Method, make her an excellent choice for couples preparing for marriage.
Credentials: LPC
License Number: PC009798
Education: Master’s degree in counseling from St. Bonaventure University
Google Rating: 4.5 stars
Specialty Area(s): Individual Counseling, Couples/Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling
Years in Practice: 10 years
2. Cynthia Magistro, Ph.D.
Cynthia Magistro has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a deep commitment to helping couples build strong, healthy marriages. She is skilled in addressing relationship dynamics and helping couples develop the skills needed for long-term success with her use of the Gottman Method, emotionally focused therapy and family systems training.
Credentials: Ph.D., The Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia University
License Number: PS006913L
Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Duquesne University
Google Rating: 5.0 stars
Specialty Area(s): Premarital Counseling, Relationship Dynamics, Grief Therapy
Years in Practice: 38 years
3. Amy K. Bucciere, LCSW, CST
Amy Bucciere is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in relationships, EMDR & Sexuality. She has extensive training in relationships, sex and intimacy.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
License Number: LCSW CW017080
Education: Master’s in Social Work from Washington University
Google Rating: 5.0 stars
Specialty Area(s): Certified Sex Therapist & EMDR Therapist
Years in Practice: 16 years
4. Kristin Barnes, MA, MFT
Kristen is a marriage & family therapist with a focus on helping couples and families with different backgrounds. Kristin has training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and has a background in seminary, making her a solid choice for couples looking to incorporate their Christian faith into therapy.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage & family Therapist
Education: MS in Marriage & Family Therapy at Reformed Theological Seminary
Specialty Area(s): Family Relationships, Grief, Life Transitions, Play Therapy, Premarital Counseling & more
Years in Practice: 15 years
5. Brittany Edge, LMFT
Brittany is a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist & owner of Family Matters Center for Relational Therapy. She is known for her ability to help couples and families navigate difficiult transitions and build healthy and happy relationships.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
License Number: MF000575
Education: Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Seton Hill University
Specialty Area(s): Premarital Counseling, Postpartum mental health, Family & relationship Counseling
Years in Practice: Over 15 years
Each of these therapists brings unique strengths to their practice, offering a variety of approaches and specialties to meet the diverse needs of couples preparing for marriage. If one of these professionals resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out to them directly. And if you believe I might be a good fit for your premarital counseling needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
FAQs about premarital counseling in Pittsburgh
-
Premarital counseling is a valuable investment in your future together, helping to address any potential issues before they become larger problems. Despite some misconceptions that seeking counseling means your relationship is in trouble, it’s actually a proactive step that shows your commitment to building a strong, healthy marriage. Premarital counseling can help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and set realistic expectations for married life. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss important topics like finances, family dynamics, and future goals. By addressing these areas early on, you can enter marriage with a deeper understanding of each other and a solid foundation for navigating challenges together.
-
Premarital counseling has a high success rate in helping couples build stronger, more resilient marriages. Studies show that couples who engage in premarital counseling are more likely to experience long-term relationship satisfaction and lower divorce rates. Despite the stigma that seeking counseling suggests trouble in a relationship, premarital counseling is a proactive step that prepares couples for the realities of married life. It provides tools to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and align on critical issues such as finances, family planning, and shared values. By addressing these topics early, couples can enter marriage with a solid foundation, equipped to handle challenges and strengthen their bond over time.
-
Finding premarital counseling near you is straightforward with several resources at your disposal. Websites like Psychology Today, Best Therapists and TherapyDen allow you to search for licensed therapists by location, specialty, and therapy methods. You can also explore referrals from friends, family, or your local religious or medical organizations. For those preferring the convenience of online sessions, many therapists offer telehealth services, making it easier to find the right fit without geographic limitations. This can be especially helpful for couples that prefer online therapy due to being in different states. I provide telehealth counseling throughout Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, helping couples build strong foundations for their marriages. If you’re in one of these areas and are looking for premarital counseling, I’d be happy to assist you in preparing for a successful marriage.
Build a stronger relationship together.
As a certified facilitator of the Prepare and Enrich program, I guide couples through a comprehensive assessment that helps to identify their strengths and growth areas. This evidence-based tool is designed to help couples enhance communication skills, repair conflict, and strengthen their emotional connection, ensuring they are fully prepared for the journey of marriage. Topics like parenting, sex, friendship, intimacy, fun and how to handle stress and anxiety are all covered in couples therapy.
With my background in marriage and family therapy and a focus on systemic approaches, I specialize in helping couples navigate complex relationship dynamics. I've seen too many marriages end because couples wait too long to get the help they need. My approach is preventative, collaborative and supportive, aiming to equip couples with the skills they need for a thriving partnership, filled with happiness. If you're interested in couples counseling tailored to your unique relationship, I encourage you to reach out. Let's work together to build a strong foundation for your marriage.
