Relationship Preparation Counselling – Building Strong Foundations

Relationship Preparation Counselling - Building Strong Foundations

Recently, I have seen a steady rise in couples seeking to engage in relationship therapy as part of their marriage preparations.  Alongside planning the perfect day/honeymoon venue, there seems to be a growing consensus that it is prudent to invest time and energy in exploring and many clients say ‘future proofing’ the relationship for longevity.

As a relationship counsellor, this feels like a fantastic space within which to work with clients - typically potential difficulties are being explored before they become deeply embedded and before too much damage is done to the relationship.  Often, there is what very much feels like a contagious sense of excitement and personal joy on the part of the clients, who are seeking to enter into a lifelong relational bond.

However, we may choose to make a commitment to our relationships, counselling offers a safe, structured space to prepare emotionally and relationally for the journey ahead.

What Might Relationship Preparation Counselling Cover?

Each counselling journey is unique, however these themes might typically be considered for exploration:

Intersectionality: Exploring how we each as individuals are shaped by aspects of our identities, such as race, gender and social factors and then considering how these different lived experiences feed into the relationship and might feed into the relationship in the future.

Communication styles: Understanding your own and your partner/s communication styles and working together to develop communication habits and patterns that allow discussion of areas of disagreement whilst minimising conflict or ruptures to the relationship.

Emotional connection: Learning to become emotionally connected, so that even when life takes you in separate directions, you maintain a sense of togetherness.

Shared Vision: Exploring life goals, values, and beliefs to ensure you're aligned for the future.

Family Dynamics: Exploring how your families/previous life experiences impact your relationship and future decisions.

Money Matters: Tackling financial planning, spending habits, and economic expectations and learning to be comfortable discussing money within the context of a romantic relationship.

Intimacy & Connection: Addressing emotional and physical intimacy and building deeper understanding and trust.

What to Expect During Sessions

Guided Discussions: The counsellor might facilitate conversations that may not happen naturally—like future parenting styles or lifestyle changes.

Assessments & Exercises: Tools like compatibility questionnaires, love languages, and conflict scenario role-plays can be used to help illuminate relationship dynamics.

Safe Space: A judgment-free zone where both partners can raise any worries or concerns and feel heard, understood, and respected.

Dispelling Myths

Whilst there used to be a stigma attached to seeking relationship counselling support, it is refreshing to see that this stance is now shifting, and even more refreshing to see that in 2025, an increasing percentage of people seem to acknowledge that good relationships require work.

To use an analogy, we could see relationship preparation counselling a bit like building a house.  Whilst falling in love might be akin to the excitement we might experience when we find the perfect plot of land on which to build our dream home, the relationship preparation counselling is undertaken because we acknowledge that there is vital work that will need to be done in order to create a sound and sturdy relational structure that can withstand modern life and all that it demands of us.

 


©Helen Cupidon Counselling and Yoga

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