If you and your partner are thinking about taking the next step in your relationship, you have probably come across the term SYMBIS during your search for premarital or relationship tools. At Indigo Therapy Group, we love using SYMBIS because it gives couples a clear and compassionate roadmap for building a healthy partnership, not just before marriage but at any stage of their relationship. Whether you are engaged, newly dating, or somewhere in between, understanding how SYMBIS works can help you decide whether it is the right fit for your goals.

Below, we answer the most common questions couples ask before getting started with the SYMBIS assessment.

What is the meaning of SYMBIS?

SYMBIS stands for Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, but the name can be a little misleading. It is not about assuming your relationship is in trouble. Instead, the SYMBIS assessment is designed to help couples strengthen their bond, increase self-awareness, and build a solid foundation for long-term connection.

Think of SYMBIS as a relationship roadmap. You and your partner each take an online assessment that explores your personalities, expectations, conflict styles, family-of-origin patterns, and approaches to things like finances and communication. A certified SYMBIS facilitator, such as a therapist here at Indigo Therapy Group, then walks you through the results in a supportive and thoughtful way.

Rather than telling you how you should be as a couple, SYMBIS helps you understand how the two of you naturally work together. It highlights your strengths, points out potential stress points, and offers practical and personalized tools to help you grow closer.

Couples often tell us that SYMBIS feels like a blend of a personality test, a relationship check-in, and a guided conversation they did not even know they needed. It brings clarity to topics that are easy to overlook, especially during busy seasons or times of transition.

Is SYMBIS only for religious couples?

This is one of the most common questions we receive. The short answer is no. SYMBIS is not only for religious couples.

Although SYMBIS was originally created by Christian authors Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, it has grown into a widely used assessment that supports couples from all backgrounds, belief systems, and relationship structures. The current version of SYMBIS is designed to be flexible, inclusive, and adaptable. It focuses on relationship dynamics, emotional patterns, communication tools, and shared expectations, none of which require a religious context.

At Indigo Therapy Group, we work with couples of all faiths, couples who do not practice religion, and couples who hold blended or differing belief systems. SYMBIS fits well with all of them. The conversations it sparks are meaningful, grounded, and relevant to any couple who wants to build a healthy partnership.

If you have concerns about any spiritual language or themes, your therapist will tailor the discussion so it aligns with your values. The goal of SYMBIS is connection, not conformity, and we make sure every couple feels respected and understood.

How much does SYMBIS assessment cost?

Costs for the SYMBIS assessment vary depending on the provider, the number of sessions included, and whether you are completing it as part of premarital counseling or general relationship work.

At Indigo Therapy Group, fees typically cover:

• The online SYMBIS assessment

• A review and interpretation of your results

• Session time with a certified SYMBIS facilitator

• A personalized discussion of your strengths and areas for growth

• Tools and recommendations tailored to your relationship

Prices differ from practice to practice, but SYMBIS is generally considered an accessible and cost-effective option compared to more intensive assessments. Many couples view the investment as a proactive step toward building a strong emotional foundation instead of navigating relationship challenges later without guidance.

We are always happy to explain what is included, break down the pricing, and help you determine whether SYMBIS fits your goals and budget.

Is SYMBIS only for engaged couples?

Not at all. While SYMBIS is very popular with engaged couples preparing for marriage, the assessment is helpful for couples at many different stages of their relationship.

Here are some examples of who can benefit from SYMBIS at Indigo Therapy Group:

Dating couples

Couples who are in a serious relationship and want to understand each other more deeply can benefit from SYMBIS. It highlights patterns you may not have talked about yet.

Engaged couples

This is the most common group that completes the SYMBIS assessment. It helps you prepare for marriage with clarity, communication, and teamwork.

Newlyweds

SYMBIS can support couples as they adjust to their new roles, blend routines, and navigate early expectations.

Long-term couples

Couples who have been together for years often find SYMBIS helpful. It refreshes communication, addresses stuck points, and strengthens understanding.

Couples experiencing transitions

These transitions might include moving in together, blending families, navigating career changes, or preparing for parenthood.

If you are looking for a guided, genuine, and helpful way to talk about important relationship topics, SYMBIS is a great option. You do not need a wedding date to benefit.

Ready to Explore SYMBIS Together?

At Indigo Therapy Group, our goal is to support couples in building the kind of relationship that feels steady, secure, and connected. The SYMBIS assessment is more than a tool. It is a conversation starter, a clarity booster, and a way to understand your relationship on a deeper level.

If you are curious about whether SYMBIS is right for you and your partner, we would love to help you get started. Reach out to our team to schedule your SYMBIS sessions or ask any questions you may have.

Your relationship deserves the foundation you envision, and SYMBIS can help you build it.