Premarital Counseling in Fort Worth: What Should we Expect?

By: Shelby Spaulding, LMFT Associate

Getting engaged is such an exciting time, and it can also bring up questions about communication, expectations, and the life you’re building together. Many couples come to pre-marital counseling not because anything is wrong, but because they want to start their marriage on a strong, intentional foundation. Pre-marital counseling gives you space to pause, reflect, and strengthen your relationship before your wedding day so you can step into marriage with clarity, confidence, and shared understanding.

A Space to Explore Your Relationship

Pre-marital counseling isn’t about fixing problems or assigning blame. It’s a collaborative space where both partners can really get to know their relationship, how you communicate, how you handle stress, and how you make decisions together. Many couples find it refreshing to have guided conversations that might not happen otherwise. This space allows you to slow down, reflect, and share your thoughts openly, without feeling rushed or judged.

Topics You’ll Discuss

Every couple is different, but sessions often include conversations like:

  • How you handle communication and conflict

  • Expectations for marriage and partnership

  • Family backgrounds and values

  • Finances and decision-making

  • Emotional connection, intimacy, and affection

  • Roles, boundaries, and responsibilities

  • Future goals and managing stress

  • It’s not about having everything figured out before marriage. It’s about creating awareness, developing shared language, and feeling confident that you can navigate challenges together.

How PREPARE/ENRICH Can Help

As a PREPARE/ENRICH Certified Facilitator, I use this evidence-based assessment to help guide sessions in a way that’s personalized and practical. Each partner completes a short questionnaire that highlights your relationship strengths and areas that might benefit from extra attention. PREPARE/ENRICH isn’t about labeling your relationship, it’s about helping you tell your story as a couple and giving you tools to build on what’s already working.

Focusing on Strengths and Skills

Pre-marital counseling isn’t just talking. You’ll also learn practical skills to carry into your marriage, like:

  • Communicating needs clearly and respectfully

  • Navigating disagreements with curiosity and care

  • Spotting patterns that create connection or distance

  • Building emotional safety and trust

  • Clarifying shared goals and values

These are skills that will support your relationship now and in the years to come.

How Long It Usually Takes

Most couples attend four to eight sessions, depending on your goals and wedding timeline. Some like a shorter, focused experience, while others want more time to reflect and practice new skills. Sessions are flexible and shaped around what matters most to you as a couple.

Pre-Marital Counseling in Fort Worth

Pre-marital counseling is an investment in your relationship and the marriage you’re creating together. Couples often leave feeling more connected, more confident, and better prepared to face challenges as a team.

If you’re looking for pre-marital counseling in Fort Worth, working with a therapist who offers a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach can help you feel supported as you prepare for this next chapter.