Is It Too Early for Couples Therapy? Why Starting Before the Wedding (or Move-In) Is a Massive Green Flag
Couples therapy has an outdated reputation: that it's only for relationships in crisis or couples on the brink of divorce. But that mindset is shifting, and it’s about time.
We need to reframe how we think about couples counseling. It’s not just a last resort-it can be a proactive, powerful tool for growth, connection, and long-term success. More and more couples, especially millennials and Gen Zers, are turning to therapy before major transitions like moving in together or getting married. And that’s a very good thing for the health of their relationships.
Therapy Isn’t Just for the End—It’s for the Beginning, Too
It’s unrealistic to expect ourselves to know how to navigate every challenge in a relationship without support. You don’t white-knuckle your way through marriage (or at least, I wouldn’t want to). Many of us saw previous generations avoid vulnerability or suppress emotion. Now, we want our relationships to look and feel different.
We want tools. We want honest conversations. We want to grow, not drift apart.
And that’s where pre-commitment or premarital therapy comes in.
Why See a Couples Therapist Before Things Get Hard?
Couples counseling early in your relationship or ahead of a big commitment is not a red flag. It’s a massive green flag. It shows you're intentional, curious, and willing to do the work to build something strong.
I truly believe that any couple in a committed relationship, whether they are dating, engaged, married, monogamous, or open can benefit from the right kind of therapy. If you’re not dealing with high conflict, you shouldn’t be working with a high-conflict specialist. You need a therapist who focuses on growth, prevention, and communication-not crisis control.
What You’ll Work On in Pre-Commitment or Premarital Therapy
This style of therapy is typically short-term and focused on building a solid foundation. Topics you might explore include:
Communication styles and conflict resolution
Attachment styles and how past experiences show up in your relationship
Values, life goals, and expectations
Sex, intimacy, and emotional connection
Finances, work-life balance, and household responsibilities
Family roles, mental load, and parenting (if applicable)
Rituals of connection and repair
How to protect your relationship over time
Our Program at Middle Way Wellness
At Middle Way Wellness, we offer a structured Premarital & Pre-Commitment Counseling Program designed for modern couples preparing for life’s next big step- whether that’s moving in together, getting married, having kids, opening a relationship, or simply making a long-term commitment.
Most couples complete the program in 5-8 sessions. Our work together focuses on:
Building trust and emotional safety
Strengthening communication and connection
Clarifying expectations and navigating differences
Creating rituals and tools to support your relationship long-term
This program is designed for couples who are in love and committed, and who want to stay that way. If you're curious about how we can help you prepare for a thriving future together, click here to learn more and book a free 15 minute consultation.
