Getting married is an exciting and meaningful step, but it can also bring big questions about your future together. Premarital counseling offers a structured, supportive space to prepare for a strong, lasting marriage for a lifetime.

What Is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling is short-term therapy designed for engaged or seriously dating couples who want to build a solid foundation before marriage. You and your partner meet together with a therapist to explore important topics such as communication, conflict, money, family, intimacy, and expectations for married life.

I offer premarital counseling for couples in the Iowa–Illinois Quad Cities region, including Bettendorf, Davenport, Rock Island, Moline, East Moline, and surrounding communities.

How Premarital Counseling Helps

Premarital counseling can help you and your partner:

• Improve communication and really hear each other

• Learn healthy ways to manage and resolve conflict

• Identify shared values and goals for your future together

• Explore areas of difference that could lead to tension down the road

• Clarify expectations about roles, responsibilities, and lifestyle

• Talk openly about money, faith, family, and intimacy

Working with a therapist gives you a neutral, supportive guide to help you talk through topics that may feel awkward, emotional, or easy to avoid.

Is Premarital Counseling Right for Us?

Premarital counseling may be a good fit if:

• You have arguments that never feel fully resolved

• One of you feels like you’re always the one compromising

• You’re unsure how finances, debt, or spending habits will affect your marriage

• You worry about losing affection or having less intimacy after marriage

• You want healthier ways to handle conflict and stress

• You have religious, cultural, or financial differences you’d like to work through

• You want clarity about expectations and roles in marriage

You don’t have to have ‘serious problems’ to benefit; many couples use premarital counseling as a proactive "check‑in" and a safe place to discuss differences that could cause conflict or resentment later in marriage. 

What to Expect in Sessions

I am an approved Facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich premarital assessment, which is the most researched couple's assessment in the world and has been taken by millions of couples. Over 3 to 5 counseling sessions, you and your partner will explore your strengths as a couple and identify growth areas that we can discuss in depth together. 

In premarital counseling, we will:

• Talk about topics you’ve already discussed and explore areas you may not have considered yet

• Look at your patterns of communication and conflict, and practice tools for staying calm and respectful during disagreements

• Learn how to “fight fair,” de-escalate arguments, and avoid saying things that are hard to take back

• Strengthen your ability to listen, express your needs, and support each other as a team

My role is to offer an objective perspective, ask meaningful questions, and equip you with practical skills you can use throughout your marriage.

Start Premarital Counseling in the Quad Cities

Getting married is one of life’s most important milestones. Premarital counseling can help you and your partner turn this moment into a strong, secure, and lasting relationship.

If you’re ready to invest in your future together, contact me today to schedule a premarital counseling appointment in the Quad Cities.