Premarital and Engagement Counseling

Ideas & Inspiration

Premarital and Engagement Counseling

Q. My fiancé and I moved in together when we got engaged. Wedding planning is going well, but we’re starting to discover lots of differences in the way we live: He’s a neat freak; I’m more relaxed. He wants to order takeout every night; I’d rather we cook together and save money. Little things like that are starting to drive me crazy. Would it be weird to get counseling before we’re even married?

A. Not at all! In fact, we highly recommend it. You can find your own counselor, or consider making an appointment with The Engagement Coach, Adrienne Laursen, MA, a Minneapolis-based licensed marriage and family therapist offering counseling for individuals and couples who are dating, engaged, newlyweds and more. 

“With the divorce rate above 50 percent, being proactive is always a good thing,” Laursen says. Her services specifically focus on the engagement and newlywed stage, “so couples feel comfortable talking about how hard it can sometimes be. My approach helps couples learn about their relationship and doesn’t just focus on negative issues.”

As an added perk, completing a specified number of hours of counseling also qualifies you for a reduced marriage license application fee.

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