Title: Premarital Counselling in Cape Town · Siobhan Breslin Source: https://holisticlifecounselling.com/services/premarital-counselling/ Last updated: 2026-10-26 Summary: Preparing for marriage: four premarital counselling sessions with Siobhan Breslin, Registered Wellness Counsellor, in Noordhoek, Cape Town, or online. # Preparing for marriage: premarital counselling in Noordhoek, Cape Town, and online Premarital counselling is for couples preparing for marriage or a lifelong commitment. Over four sessions, in person at Lake Michelle, Noordhoek, Cape Town, or online, you get to know each other’s inner world and learn to handle conflict in ways that bring you closer. I’m Siobhan Breslin, a Registered Wellness Counsellor who is Gottman Method trained. ## Why prepare for marriage together? Marriage is an intentional process of bringing together two people, each with their own history, lens and stories about themselves and the world. We often choose a partner who offers us the chance to come closer to the home within us, to who we truly are. And with that comes the truth that even the people who love us best will touch our deepest wounds. ## What will we learn? In this work, couples learn the art of fighting well, drawing on Dr John Gottman’s research: turning towards each other, recognising the Four Horsemen before they take over the relationship, and building enough positive connection to weather the ruptures that are bound to come. The Four Horsemen are four patterns in conflict that Dr Gottman warns against: criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. His research shows that master couples know how to keep enough positive interactions in place to protect their relationship when conflict arises. Together we’ll explore: - your own defence mechanisms and triggers - how to self-regulate and co-regulate (settling your own feelings, and helping each other settle), skills I will teach you in our sessions - knowing each other’s inner world - how to handle conflict, which is inevitable, in ways that bring you closer ## Who is premarital counselling for? Couples preparing for marriage or a lifelong commitment, whether you are engaged, planning a wedding or committing to each other in your own way. ## How many sessions are there? Preparing for marriage is four sessions, with extra sessions available if you need them. ## How do the first sessions work? Premarital counselling follows the same opening as my couples counselling: 1. **First session (90 minutes):** getting to know both of you, including your relationship history, current challenges and goals. 2. **Second session:** individual meetings with each partner (45 to 60 minutes each), for a deeper understanding of each person’s perspective and concerns. 3. **From session three onwards (ongoing sessions, 90 minutes):** we begin a tailored plan based on what we learned in the first two sessions. ## Can we have sessions in person or online? Both. Sessions are available in person at Lake Michelle, Noordhoek, Cape Town, and online, mainly on Zoom (Google Meet is also possible). ## What does it cost? Premarital counselling is charged at my couples rate, per session. Clients living in South Africa: R1,575. Clients outside South Africa: £90. You can pay by EFT, UK bank transfer, credit or debit card, or cash. ## How do we book? If you’d like to meet me before you decide, please book a free 15-minute online intro call. - Choose a date and time on my online calendar: [calendly.com/holistic-life-counselling](https://calendly.com/holistic-life-counselling) - Or send me a WhatsApp on 079 107 4825: [Book on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/27791074825?text=Hi%20Siobhan%2C%20I%20came%20across%20your%20website%20and%20would%20love%20to%20book%20a%20session.%0AName%3A%0AService%20I%27m%20looking%20for%3A%0APreferred%20days%20and%20times%3A%0AMessage%20(optional)%3A%0AI%27ll%20wait%20to%20hear%20when%20you%27re%20available.%20Thank%20you!) My working hours (South African time): Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 17:30 Friday 08:00 to 15:00 ## Questions couples ask We're not having problems. Is premarital counselling still for us? Yes. It is for any couple preparing for marriage or a lifelong commitment. It is a chance to know each other's inner world and to build the skills for handling conflict, which is inevitable, before you need them. How is this different from couples counselling? It starts in the same way, with the same first two sessions. After that, the focus is on preparing for your marriage. It is four sessions, with extra sessions available if you need them. Can we do premarital counselling online? Yes. Sessions are on Zoom, or Google Meet if you prefer, as well as in person in Noordhoek. Who will we be working with? With me, Siobhan Breslin, a Registered Wellness Counsellor with the ASCHP (Practice No. WC20/664). I'm Gottman Method trained: I've completed The Gottman Institute's Level 1 training and I'm working on Level 2. I'm not a psychologist; if either of you needs support beyond what I offer, I'll help you find the right person. **I AM HERE TO HELP** ## alternative options - [Couple’s Counselling](https://holisticlifecounselling.com/services/couples-counselling/) - [Separating with Care](https://holisticlifecounselling.com/services/separating-well/)