Licensed Premarital Counseling & Marriage Preparation
Congrats! We are so excited for you and your fiancé. Between choosing a venue, coordinating countless friends and family members and recreating that perfect Pinterest board, it’s easy to get lost in the logistics. We’re here to remind you to hit pause and reconnect with the person you’re spending the rest of your life with. Our premarital sessions help you navigate the "big stuff" now, so you can head into marriage with the tools for a lifetime of success.
At Equilibrium Psychotherapy in Madison, WI, our licensed therapists provide evidence-based premarital counseling using the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, a widely-used tool trusted by millions of couples worldwide that helps identify your relationship's strengths and growth areas.
For our couples located in the Madison area, including Middleton, Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Verona, and Monona, we offer in-person services at our offices located just off the belt-line on the near West Side of Madison. We also offer telehealth services for those who prefer the comfort of home or are located outside the Madison area.
Clinically reviewed by Siri Peterson, LMFT. Last updated May 2026.
When to Consider Premarital Counseling
What to Expect in Premarital Counseling
First Session
- •Share your relationship concerns and goals
- •Both partners have space to be heard
- •Review Prepare/Enrich Assessment
- •Begin building trust with your therapist
Ongoing Sessions
- •Identify relational strengths
- •Explore relationship dynamics and patterns
- •Work through conflicts in a safe space
- •Address growth areas with targeted activities
Premarital counseling works best when both partners are committed to the process and open to growth.
MEET OUR THERAPISTS
What You'll Gain from Premarital Counseling
Build Communication Skills
Learn to discuss difficult topics with respect, empathy, and understanding.
Align Expectations
Ensure you're on the same page about major life decisions and values.
Prevent Future Conflicts
Address potential issues proactively before they become relationship challenges.
Strengthen Your Foundation
Create a secure, resilient partnership prepared for life's challenges.
"The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life."– Esther Perel
Common Questions About Premarital Counseling
Why should we do premarital counseling?
Premarital counseling helps engaged couples build a strong foundation before marriage by addressing important topics often overlooked during wedding planning: communication patterns, conflict resolution, financial management, intimacy expectations, family planning, and life goals. It gives you space to align on expectations and develop tools for navigating challenges together.
What is the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment?
PREPARE/ENRICH is a research-backed assessment trusted by millions of couples worldwide that evaluates your relationship across key areas: communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, family dynamics, spiritual beliefs, and life goals. Both partners complete the assessment individually, then we review your personalized report together in sessions.
How many premarital counseling sessions do we need?
Most engaged couples benefit from 6-8 premarital counseling sessions. This typically includes the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, review of results, and focused skill-building sessions on communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, and other areas specific to your relationship.
When should we start premarital counseling?
The ideal time to begin premarital counseling is 6-12 months before your wedding, giving you adequate time to work through issues without the stress of imminent wedding deadlines. However, couples can benefit at any point, whether newly engaged, close to the wedding date, or even in the early months of marriage.
What topics are covered in premarital counseling?
Our premarital counseling addresses communication and active listening skills, conflict resolution, financial management and money values, sexual intimacy and expectations, family planning and parenting goals, roles and responsibilities, extended family relationships and boundaries, spiritual beliefs, career goals, cultural differences, and individual growth within partnership.
Resources for Your Journey
From Our Blog
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward healing and growth. Schedule your free consultation today.
BOOK FREE CONSULTATION