Vow Renewals & Pre-Marital Counselling

As I celebrate over 25 years as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, it gives me great pleasure to be able to extend my work to that of an independent qualified celebrant. www.jacquibirdcelebrant.co.uk

So, whether your about to get married to each other for the first time or whether you are choosing your partner again and making new promises together to celebrate your love and ongoing commitment. I am here to support you and write for you a beautiful ceremony.

I can draw upon my experience of working with couples and families and integrate my skills to provide a beautiful bespoke ceremony just for you.

As I reflect on my work with couples it reminds me of one powerful, thought-provoking question that is often asked.

Would you choose your partner again?

If the answer is yes, then the next question is "how would like to tell your relationship story? the answer unfolds with a narrative about the most beautiful memories of the journey spent together. The strengths that the couple hold and the milestones they have achieved.

So often in relationship therapy couples are working towards being able to confidently say "yes I would choose my partner again" and there is no greater privilege than supporting them on that journey. Helping them to recreate a storey that is different to the one they initially brought to therapy. Consideration which is not just about getting back on track or going back in time, but it is indeed about moving towards a lasting relationship that is filled with different ways of relating to one another, new and exciting ways of communicating and appreciating one another and above all learning to love each other all over again.

Following relationship therapy with a vow renewal is a beautiful way to celebrate your love story. It allows you to reflect on the milestones you've achieved and reaffirm the promises you made.

Whether you are approaching a milestone anniversary or simply want to celebrate the life you've built together, renewing your vows is the perfect way to pause, reflect, and fall in love all over again. It is a deeply personal opportunity to look back on your journey and declare your continued commitment to one another in front of everyone who matters most.

It is a deeply personal opportunity to look back at the journey you've weathered, celebrate your triumphs, and declare your continued commitment to one another in front of those who matter most.

If you're choosing each other for the first time why not consider pre-marital therapy.

Pre-Marital therapy is about working together for a short time to help you prepare as a couple for long term commitment.

Pre-marital therapy is where I help you both to prepare for the commitment you have both agreed to make to one another. Providing you with effective communications tools to help you talk openly to each other, to share your values, your roles and goals.

Your wedding is all about you and the storey you create together, but a marriage is so much more than that it is about working together to consider your dreams and expectations of each other, looking at how you currently deal with the highs and lows that life throws at you. Every couple will experience highs and lows, that is a normal way of being but learning how to deal with things differently is what makes the difference. Pre-marital therapy leaves you feeling fully equipped to confidently know that you would choose each other again.

What would be involved in pre-marital therapy?

Usually, couples will book a block of 6 sessions in preparation for their marriage or commitment to each other. Some couples may have an idea about what they would like to work on during our time together, whereas others may wish to be guided by the therapist, based on the recommendations made at the assessment session. Of course, every couple is different, and our work together is unique to you rather that a pre fixed idea.

Some topics that are helpful to consider, all aimed at stepping closer together include:-

• Communication– How to communicate together using a wide range of proven skills that are effective for couples
• Communal Living - How to maintain boundaries in one space, how to integrate work life balance at home, how to respect the need for individual space
• Closeness - How to maintain a heathy intimate relationship/sexual relationship
• Cooperation – How you divide the responsibility of money, housework, holidays, social planning etc.
• Care – How you will support each other's health and well being
• Children – Discussing your needs and whether you choose to have children or not.
• Compromise – Separating what you absolutely can not live with or live without to what a preferred option is
• Conflict resolution – How to have "fair rows"- learning to listen actively without preparing and responding with a counter argument.

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I Choose You

Life can be thought as a series of choices made:
We hope to look back and smile as our memories are replayed.
Those once in a lifetime moments aren't always quick to show
But when they do materialise, then somehow you just know.
I am happier now than I ever thought I would be
I love the person you are and the person you make me.
We share an understanding, we share hopes and goals
Together, united we're two halves of one whole
I will never take for granted that you've given me your heart
And I gently carry it with me whenever we are apart
In return, I give you mine, to cherish and to hold
No promise is too great to make your worth your weight in gold
Promises made, Vows Declared
A dream to build. A life to share
I'm proud to utter the words 'I do'
As it tells the world that I choose you.

www.jacquibirdcelebrant.co.uk