Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy gives engaged and pre-engaged couples the tools they need to build a strong foundation for marriage. Steven Makulinski, LMFT guides couples through important conversations about communication styles, conflict resolution, finances, family dynamics, intimacy, faith, and shared goals. Using the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment and other evidence-based tools, premarital counseling helps couples identify their strengths, address potential areas of concern, and enter marriage with greater confidence and alignment.
What to Expect
Why Premarital Counseling Matters
Research consistently shows that couples who participate in premarital counseling have stronger marriages and lower divorce rates. Premarital counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy in Rockwall, TX provides a structured space for couples to discuss critical topics before they become sources of conflict. By addressing expectations, communication patterns, and potential challenges before the wedding, couples build a shared foundation of understanding that supports a healthier, more resilient marriage.
What to Expect in Premarital Counseling Sessions
Premarital counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy typically consists of 6 to 8 sessions. The process begins with the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, a research-backed tool that helps couples identify their relationship strengths and growth areas across key dimensions including communication, conflict resolution, financial management, spiritual beliefs, and family relationships. Steven Makulinski then guides couples through targeted discussions and exercises based on their assessment results.
Topics Covered in Premarital Counseling
Hearts Aligned Therapy covers essential topics that research shows are most important for marital success. These include communication styles and how to listen effectively, conflict resolution strategies, financial planning and money management values, expectations around household roles and responsibilities, family of origin influences, intimacy and physical connection, parenting philosophies, spiritual and faith integration, and long-term life goals. Each topic is explored through guided conversation and practical exercises.
Faith-Based Premarital Counseling Option
For couples who want to incorporate their faith into the premarital counseling process, Steven Makulinski offers a faith-integrated approach. This option weaves biblical principles and spiritual practices into the counseling framework, helping couples explore how their shared faith can strengthen their marriage. The faith-based option is available upon request and can be combined with the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment for a comprehensive experience.
Who Should Consider Premarital Counseling?
Premarital counseling is beneficial for any couple preparing for marriage, whether newly engaged or still in the decision-making phase. It is especially valuable for couples entering a blended family, those with different cultural or religious backgrounds, couples who have experienced significant relationship challenges, and partners who want to proactively invest in their future together. Premarital counseling is available in-person at the Rockwall office or via telehealth for couples anywhere in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a session to discuss how premarital counseling can help you.