At Bride Club ME, we believe in supporting couples not only through their wedding planning journey but also in laying a strong foundation for their marriage. One topic often overlooked in the excitement of wedding preparations is the emotional work needed to nurture a lifelong partnership. That’s why we’ve collaborated with Letizia Cardelli, a psychologist at the German Neuroscience Center, to delve into the transformative potential of couples’ therapy in building a healthy and lasting marriage.

The Growing Importance of Couples’ Therapy

As society places greater emphasis on mental health and self-care, many couples are turning their focus inward to explore and enhance their relationship dynamics. The pandemic played a pivotal role in accelerating this trend, as it reshaped relationships and family structures. Living together during COVID forced couples to address issues they might have previously ignored, sparking a global rise in demand for couples’ therapy.

Interestingly, the trend has shifted toward prevention rather than cure. More couples are now seeking therapy proactively, even before tying the knot. According to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, nearly one-third of therapists have noticed an uptick in enquiries for couples’ counselling. In fact, while only 19% of couples who married before 1990 pursued premarital counselling, recent US studies show that 45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials now choose this route.

Unique Challenges for Couples in the UAE

In the UAE, where cultural diversity and transient lifestyles are the norm, couples face distinct challenges. These may include:

• Frequent relocations: Moving cities or countries can strain relationships.
• Cultural differences: Differing expectations and behaviours rooted in upbringing often lead to misunderstandings.
• Life goals: Conflicting timelines around milestones like marriage, parenthood, and financial independence can create friction.

Additionally, the stress of planning a wedding—a socially and financially demanding event—can amplify existing issues. The lifelong commitment symbolized by marriage can also trigger unresolved attachment issues, which therapy can help address.

How Therapy Can Help

Premarital and ongoing couples’ therapy is a powerful tool for navigating these challenges and ensuring emotional well-being. Therapy before marriage allows couples to:

• Understand and express expectations: Therapy provides a safe space to communicate openly about individual needs and goals.
• Strengthen interaction dynamics: By fostering better communication and teamwork, couples learn to face challenges together rather than retreating into isolation.
• Develop problem-solving strategies: These skills can be carried forward into married life, helping couples address future issues constructively.

Regular sessions during marriage also help maintain open communication and pre-empt potential problems before they cause lasting harm.

Above: Letizia Cardelli, psychologist at the German Neuroscience Center

Tips for a Healthy Emotional Connection

Letizia Cardelli shares her top strategies for building and maintaining a strong emotional bond:

1. Self-awareness: Recognize your own feelings, needs, and expectations. This enables you to communicate effectively and avoid reactive patterns like blame or withdrawal.
2. Active listening: Truly hear your partner’s perspective and reflect back what they share to ensure mutual understanding.
3. Own your emotions: Use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel hurt when…”) instead of blaming language to minimize defensiveness and encourage open dialogue.
4. Create emotional safety: Foster a positive and non-judgmental environment where both partners feel comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities.

Couples’ therapy is not just a tool for fixing problems—it’s a proactive step toward cultivating a healthy, resilient marriage. By investing in premarital counselling and continuing regular sessions throughout their relationship, couples can build strong foundations of trust, communication, and understanding.

As you plan your dream wedding, consider making time for the emotional work that will fortify your marriage in the years to come. A healthy relationship is not just about the vows you make on your wedding day; it’s about the daily effort you put into nurturing your connection.

At Bride Club ME, we’re here to support you every step of the way—before, during, and after the big day.