Saving a relationship is often a heroic struggle – but why wait for a crisis when prevention is also an option?
Relationship counselling, as well as couple and family therapy, is not only helpful when serious conflicts, emotional distancing, or loss of trust arise. It can be equally important at life’s natural turning points—for example, when a couple gets married, has a child, builds a home, or enters a new life stage. These are normative crises—natural yet challenging life events. At such times, relationship stability and emotional cohesion are especially needed.
Just as a well-built house is more likely to withstand natural disasters, a relationship built on strong foundations is more resilient to stress and tension. Prevention and conscious preparation can not only help avoid problems but also foster deeper trust and commitment.
What makes a relationship strong?
- A clear vision for the future and shared values
- Clear, honest communication
- Resolved past grievances
- Mutual respect, trust, and love
- Emotional, financial, and physical independence from the family of origin
These are the cornerstones on which a shared future can—and should—be built.
What is contemporary marriage preparation?
Contemporary marriage preparation is a psychologically informed reimagining of the traditional church-based premarital education. The sessions focus on relationship communication, emotional expression, and awareness of family patterns. All of this is offered regardless of religious affiliation, tailored to the couple, using practical tools and techniques.
The goal is for couples to prepare not only for the wedding day but for the marriage itself—mentally, consciously, and in alignment with their own values.
Marriage as a normative crisis
Few people know, but according to the Holmes–Rahe Life Stress Inventory, getting married ranks as the 7th most stressful life event. Coordinating family traditions, making major commitment decisions, planning a future together, and establishing new roles—all understandably bring uncertainty and tension.
In this case, it’s important:
- Clarify what marriage means to you.
- Take a look at what you’re bringing from home in your “bundle.”
- Understand what motivates you to commit.
- Be aware of how you are alike and how you differ, and how you can both accept and shape each other.
- Identify the typical sources of conflict and prepare for them — mobilizing your resources.
Who is it recommended for?
Contemporary marriage preparation is for couples who:
- Want to prepare not only for the wedding but also for the marriage.
- Consider it important that the spiritual meaning is not lost amid the logistical tasks of planning.
- Want to avoid carrying unresolved grievances into their commitment.
- Consciously build their future together.
A relationship is the foundation of the family – it’s where “fairy-tale” weddings and “growing old together” dreams begin. But lasting happiness takes more than romance – it also requires self-awareness, openness, and teamwork. A relationship is like a shared plant that needs care from the moment it’s planted.
We warmly welcome every couple or family for therapy, consultation, coaching, or marriage preparation — depending on what you need most right now.
Couple and family therapy sessions are held with dual facilitation in 90-minute sessions.
