Marriage is obviously a monumental life transition that will impact many aspects of your future. It is wise to seek professional guidance as you prepare for this new phase. What values do you prioritize? What expectations do you with a partner have in different areas of life? Are you aware of your own emotional needs, and can you express those to your partner? Do you know how to handle disagreements in a healthy way?

Lots of people believe communication is the most important element to a healthy, happy partnership. If you struggle to effectively voice your thoughts, feelings, needs, and goals or you notice yourself struggling to listen or tolerate those of others, you might benefit from some support in this area.

If you find yourself overwhelmed in your family life or resentful towards your partner, it could be due to an unequal division of labor. Consider if you have these kind of thoughts… I always prepare and clean up dinner. It will be easier if I just do it myself. I am expected to adapt my work schedule if something comes up with the kids last minute. I can’t have time away from home because nobody else can handle the load I carry. If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.

Becoming a partnership does not mean you dissolve into the same person with the same wants and needs. Saying no or having a different perspective in relationships is not only common but healthy. This is true in any relationship. If you notice a tendency to sacrifice your own needs in order to please someone else, whether at work or book club or home, boundary setting might be an area worth improving.

Sometimes relationship support is needed when damage has already taken place. There are times you might decide to end a relationship once it has been severely damaged, and that is valid. There are also times you may want to see if the relationship is salvageable. Can we work through this? Am I staying in this relationship out of fear? Am I physically and emotionally safe? What needs do I have? Is the other person willing and able to meet those needs? How do I know if my own trauma is hindering our ability to repair the cracks in our relationship?